The Vajra Divine Technique was a secret art unique to Buddhism – how could the Alliance Leader possibly have learned it? If he had cultivated the Vajra Divine Technique, that would be an even bigger problem… This, this feeling seemed somewhat familiar…

Could it be… The steady and composed Yang Cui Xue had a revelation, showing an excited expression, saying:

“Alliance Leader is this… Silver Gong Xu’s essence blood?”

One phrase revealed the truth.

Cao Qing Yang tore off his damaged robe, stood up before the stone gate, slowly twisted his neck, and said:

“It’s his essence blood.”

A Third Grade martial artist’s essence blood could be considered a diluted version of a blood pill, with duration depending on the provider’s cultivation level.

But even a diluted blood pill wasn’t something ordinary Fourth Grade martial artists could withstand. Only those like Cao Qing Yang, whose internal cells had begun preliminary transformation and whose vitality gradually transcended mortals – those half a step into Third Grade – could withstand the impact of essence blood.

Regular Fourth Grade martial artists, even at peak Fourth Grade, would have their bodies collapse and die from consuming a single drop of Third Grade martial artist’s essence blood.

Some people showed “as expected” expressions, while others had sudden realizations and felt genuine elation at the three words “Silver Gong Xu.”

“Hahaha…”

Fu Jing Men was overjoyed, forcefully clashing his two fists together, saying:

“Finally we can counterattack. Damn it, this frustration was about to make my lungs explode.”

Yang Cui Xue, Xiao Yue Nu, Dai Zong, and others showed smiles of relief.

Earlier no one had spoken up, but everyone wanted to ask:

Why hadn’t help arrived yet?

With the old Alliance Leader in seclusion, the Martial Arts Alliance could hardly resist a Transcendent realm expert, so they had been in an anxious state, feeling uncertain.

But now, seeing tangible evidence of Silver Gong Xu’s involvement, seeing that he and the Alliance Leader had prior connections, their suspended hearts finally settled, and they saw hope.

Liu Hong Mian, Qi Han Dan Xiang, and White Tiger, upon hearing the three words “Silver Gong Xu,” instinctively felt fear, their expressions turning ugly.

The martial monks Jin Yuan and Jin Xin exchanged glances, both extremely solemn.

Especially the latter, whose face twitched slightly, couldn’t help but clasp his hands in prayer to calm the anger in his heart.

Eh, they seemed particularly afraid of Silver Gong Xu… The astute Xiao Yue Nu keenly noticed this phenomenon.

Including her junior sister Liu Hong Mian, these people’s reactions to Silver Gong Xu gave the impression that they had previously suffered greatly at his hands.

Although extremely curious inside, she couldn’t possibly ask this question out loud. She steadied herself and shifted her attention to Cao Qing Yang.

At this moment, Cao Qing Yang’s condition had stabilized.

His aura was at the level of early Third Grade, appearing not much different from Azure Dragon Seven Stars, perhaps even slightly inferior.

The feeling of Third Grade is truly good… Cao Qing Yang clenched his fist, battle intent flashing in his steady, concentrated gaze.

He raised his hand slightly.

Yang Cui Xue and others understood tacitly, quickly retreating to a distance.

This was no longer a battlefield where they could intervene.

With mutual understanding, Liu Hong Mian and others also quickly retreated, in the opposite direction from the Martial Arts Alliance Fourth Grades.

East and west, facing each other from afar, with Cao Qing Yang and Azure Dragon Seven Stars in the middle.

…

“Cao Qing Yang can absorb a Third Grade martial artist’s essence blood, briefly stepping into the Transcendent realm – this is the unique foundation that only experts half a step into Third Grade possesses.”

On the Wind-Riding Boat, Ji Xuan watched this scene from above, listening to Du Nan Vajra’s explanation, comprehending in his heart.

When Cao Qing Yang erupted with a third-grade aura, he was truly surprised. Being too far away to hear the conversations below, he had thought Cao Qing Yang had broken through on the battlefield, advancing to Third Grade.

“The Martial Arts Alliance is as old as the nation, but in hundreds of years, they’ve never produced a single Transcendent. Cao Qing Yang’s talent is enviable.”

Ji Xuan sighed, looking toward the tall and muscular Du Nan beside him, whose skin was dark gold, and asked:

“Du Nan Vajra, is this the reason why your skin and blood turn golden?”

Though his question seemed abrupt, Du Nan Vajra understood his meaning, nodding:

“After cultivating the Vajra Divine Technique and advancing to Transcendent, the essence blood naturally carries the divine might of the Vajra technique, turning skin and blood golden. Cao Qing Yang absorbed Xu Qi An’s essence blood, thus temporarily possessing the power of the Vajra technique.”

At this moment, Dong Fang Rong suddenly said:

“Teacher says the terrain of Quanrong Mountain seems somewhat off.”

…

Cao Qing Yang bent slightly, and after briefly gathering strength, charged like a rampaging bull toward Azure Dragon Seven Stars.

The eight cloaked figures scattered, deliberately opening a gap, letting Cao Qing Yang charge into their formation, then quickly “closing” to surround him inside.

Swish swish swish… Eight long blades condensed blade qi, emitting scorching auras, simultaneously slashing at Cao Qing Yang’s chest, head, back, and other locations, producing sharp sounds of metal clashing.

Cao Qing Yang’s expression remained unchanged as he reached out with his right hand, which was wreathed in faint golden light, grabbing toward the nearest cloaked figure.

That cloaked figure’s aura suddenly surged, fearlessly striking out a palm to meet Cao Qing Yang head-on.

Unexpectedly, Cao Qing Yang withdrew his hand midway – his real target was the cloaked figure attacking with a blade from behind.

The qi between the eight cloaked figures was like breathing, rising and falling – the one who was about to clash with Cao Qing Yang’s aura dropped, while his real target’s aura suddenly surged.

Bang!

The two exchanged palm strikes, equally matched.

But in that instant, Cao Qing Yang was struck simultaneously by seven blades in different locations.

Cao Qing Yang thus fell into bitter combat. The battle between martial artists seemed destined to not be decided in a short time.

“Their power can flow endlessly between them, transitioning without any stagnation. This means that no matter which one I target, they can all be Third Grade.”

“And while I’m engaging the ‘Third Grade’ one, the other seven will coordinate attacks, wearing down my defenses…”

“Unless I can simultaneously control two cloaked figures, forcing them to choose between the two, there’s no way to break this joint attack formation. But these eight people coordinate too well – they won’t give me such an opportunity.”

“Xu Qi An’s essence blood only lasts for a quarter-hour. If I can’t resolve this within that time, I’m certain to fail…”

Cao Qing Yang calmly met the enemy while his thoughts turned.

The fourth-grade experts from both camps watched breathlessly, fully focused.

Jin Xin, Jin Yuan, and others were more relaxed in attitude, knowing that the Third Grade essence blood’s effect wouldn’t last long, and they had two Vajra and a Rain Master backing them.

Meanwhile, Yang Cui Xue, Fu Jing Men, and other Martial Arts Alliance Fourth Grades were more tense emotionally.

If Alliance Leader Cao couldn’t defeat the eight cloaked figures before his cultivation dropped, they could only place their hopes in Xu Qi An.

Inside the encirclement, Cao Qing Yang swept his concentrated gaze, locked onto the cloaked figure on the left, feigned an attack, and when the other moved to block, suddenly changed targets mid-way and pounced toward Azure Dragon.

“Hmph!”

A disdainful snort came from within the cloak as Azure Dragon’s aura instantly surged, slashing a blade toward Cao Qing Yang.

During this process, the seven companions’ blade edges danced, coordinating attacks on the enemy with practiced familiarity.

Clang!

Eight sharp war blades struck Cao Qing Yang’s body simultaneously. Azure Dragon was startled, surprised that the surnamed Cao hadn’t dodged.

Bang!

Almost simultaneously, Cao Qing Yang’s fist landed on his chest.

Bang bang!

Two more punches landed, and between these two punches, Cao Qing Yang took even more blade strikes.

Azure Dragon frowned slightly, quickly retreating and calling his seven companions to fill positions.

“Come back!”

Cao Qing Yang opened his right palm, his qi transforming into a vortex that pulled Azure Dragon back.

Forced to return, Azure Dragon angrily delivered a series of combination punches to Cao Qing Yang. In terms of pure combat technique, as a fellow Internal Force martial artist, he was not inferior to Cao Qing Yang.

But…

“Your weakness is the magical tools,”

Cao Qing Yang remained steady, speaking slowly:

“Magical tools brought you success, but they will also bring your downfall. I only need to destroy them, and your joint attack formation will break.”

“And this isn’t difficult, because you who aren’t naturally Third Grade martial artists have far weaker defenses than me. Only supreme divine weapons could surpass a Third-grade martial artist’s hardness.”

But in all of the Nine Provinces, no faction could produce eight supreme divine weapons.

Pak! Pak! Pak!

Cao Qing Yang’s punch intent erupted, and crisp explosive sounds burst forth one after another like cannon shells detonating, as heavy punches repeatedly crashed into Azure Dragon’s chest.

Azure Dragon fought back desperately. Visually, it appeared as if eight people were wildly slashing at Cao Qing Yang with blades, cutting him until he could barely defend himself, only able to weakly strike back at one of them.

But as Cao Qing Yang had said, their physical defenses were on completely different levels.

Having absorbed Xu Qi An’s essence blood, he was a genuine Third Grade, with the additional protection of the Vajra Divine Technique.

Meanwhile, Azure Dragon Seven Stars neither had Third Grade regeneration ability nor a Third Grade martial artist’s invincible body.

Clang clang clang…

Waves of qi exploded on Azure Dragon’s chest. Suddenly, amid a teeth-grinding sound of twisting metal, the eight cloaked figures’ auras sharply weakened.

The cloaks tore, revealing Azure Dragon’s armor-covered body.

The armor was carved with profound and obscure formation patterns, its dark and heavy material clearly a metal refined through alchemy, far superior to ordinary iron.

Now, the armor was severely dented, its formation patterns badly damaged.

Bang!

Cao Qing Yang unleashed a punch, and amid spreading qi waves, Azure Dragon was sent flying, crashing heavily into the stone gate. The cliff wall shook with a “boom,” and crushed rocks tumbled down.

“Huh huh…”

Unconscious sounds came from Azure Dragon’s mouth as blood flowed from the armor at his chest.

His hooded head moved slightly as if trying to lift but quickly went still as his life force dispersed.

Cao Qing Yang suddenly clenched his right fist.

Bang bang bang… Amid the sounds of shattering bones, blood mist erupted from the chests of the seven cloaked figures as their hearts were torn apart.

Without the enhancement of magical tools, before a Third Grade martial artist, they were pathetically weak.

Victory!

Alliance Leader Cao had slain a Third Grade great enemy!

On the Martial Arts Alliance side, a brief cheer erupted but quickly quieted – the sect leaders and masters were all people of status who controlled themselves well.

However, joy shone on everyone’s faces – Fu Jing Men laughing loudly, Yang Cui Xue wearing a smile, Xiao Yue Nu’s eyes curved in happiness, You Shi utterly delighted…

In contrast, Jin Xin and Jin Yuan showed slight disappointment, while White Tiger, Liu Hong Mian, and others from Hidden Dragon City seemed somewhat exasperated.

Azure Dragon Seven Stars were their companions and also Ji Xuan’s team’s greatest backing in the jianghu.

Having lost Azure Dragon Seven Stars, regardless of how this battle with the Martial Arts Alliance turned out, they would be recalled to Hidden Dragon City, ending their jianghu journey.

Or perhaps they would be forcibly ordered to continue gathering Dragon Qi in the jianghu.

Neither option was good.

…

“Not bad at all.”

In the dense forest, watching this scene through the Universe Mirror, Xu Qi An nodded in satisfaction.

“Third-grade martial artists are truly terrifying…”

Miao You Fang, peering beside him, had also witnessed the whole process.

“This is nothing, both sides are merely half-baked. A true Transcendent battle is beyond your imagination.”

As Xu Qi An spoke, he recalled the Transcendent melee that had leveled the entire Chu Province city. Including himself, there had been up to seven Transcendent experts participating.

They had directly leveled a provincial capital.

The later slaying of Zhen De and the battle with Xu Ping Feng wasn’t as terrifying as that battle.

“Don’t celebrate too early, the good show is just beginning.”

Xu Qi An gazed at the Universe Mirror, speaking softly.

It wasn’t clear whether he was speaking to Miao You Fang beside him or to the Martial Arts Alliance crowd in the mirror.

…

On the Wind-Riding Boat.

Ji Xuan sighed: “Relying on external objects ultimately isn’t the right path. Our Hidden Dragon City is too short on Transcendent realm experts.”

Among the billions of living beings in the Nine Provinces, those who could achieve Transcendent were extremely rare.

In five hundred years, their branch of the royal family had produced only one Third Grade expert.

That Third-grade martial artist had perished in an accident, not even leaving behind a blood pill.

The blood pill Ji Xuan carried was left behind by a Third-grade martial artist from their branch who died in the rebellion raised by the Martial Sect five hundred years ago.

“Thank you for your trouble, honored Vajras.”

Ji Xuan clasped his hands.

Du Nan and Du Fan exchanged glances, the latter’s voice resounding: “This master shall go.”

He leaped down from the Wind-Riding Boat.

…

Almost simultaneously, the crowd below looked up to see a golden light falling like a meteor.

Accompanying this golden light was an irresistible mighty force – vast, majestic, supremely rigid, and yang, making people unconsciously lower their heads, trembling in fear.

“It’s a Buddhist Vajra.”

Someone cried out.

Although they had never seen what a Buddhist Vajra looked like, nor experienced their terror, based on previously received information and this incomparably profound force, it wasn’t hard to deduce – a Buddhist Vajra had arrived.

Cao Qing Yang pondered briefly, saying:

“I can still maintain this for the time of one cup of tea.”

Yang Cui Xue withdrew his gaze, his expression changing as he called out loudly: “Alliance Leader, be careful!”

Dai Zong grinned: “No worries, the Alliance Leader is also in Third Grade now, with the Vajra Divine Technique protecting his body.”

Qiao Weng, the fat middle-aged man, nodded:

“Even if he can’t win, he should be able to hold on for a moment, laying the foundation for Alliance Leader Cao’s breakthrough to Third Grade.”

With their earlier victory, the Martial Arts Alliance crowd’s confidence was at an all-time high.

As they spoke, the golden light descended from the sky, waves of heat washing over them.

Cao Qing Yang took a deep breath, sank his waist, and widened his stance, stirring his qi, burning the power of the Third Grade essence blood within his body. The previously dim golden light brightened somewhat.

One above, one below, two Transcendent auras clashed in advance.

The golden light reflected in everyone’s pupils, its speed like a shooting star flashing across the deep night sky.

The next moment, the earth shook and mountains trembled.

The entire Quanrong Mountain began to shake, landslides occurred, huge rocks tumbled down, and the beasts summoned by Qi Han Dan Xiang fled in panic.

The Fourth Grade experts present staggered east and west, unable to maintain their footing.

After steadying herself, Xiao Yue Nu immediately looked toward the stone gate with her companions to check the situation.

That devastated clearing was split by spider web-like cracks.

This was caused by the bedrock beneath the soil cracking.

Only one person stood – a giant nine-foot tall with an ugly appearance.

His skin was dark gold, his features so ugly they were horrifying – it was hard to imagine someone could be so ugly.

His iron tower-like body seemed cast from metal, his bulging muscles displaying his power.

Under his foot was Cao Qing Yang, half-buried in the ground, blood flowing from his seven apertures, his breath feeble.

The scene instantly fell silent. Xiao Yue Nu heard Dai Zong’s rapid breathing beside her and also heard her rapid breathing.