Zhang Yan saw the green needles scattered across the sky, resembling rain threads drifting in the air, flurries of snow spreading far and wide, encompassing a radius of several miles, leaving no space to evade. Although he hoped to use this abnormal Qi from his opponent to strengthen his True Fire, he could not let himself take hits endlessly, as this would arouse suspicion. Therefore, he leapt forward, his hands swiftly deflecting the pine-needle-like Essence Qi while charging toward the green-clothed youth.
The green-clothed youth would not allow him to get close again. With a shake of his body, he rode upon a trail of green tunneling light and fled.
Zhang Yan locked onto his escape route. With a flick of his robe sleeve, he hurled two golden hammers outward, then guided them with a spell. They transformed into spiraling golden light and flew toward the target.
The green-clothed youth chuckled coldly and didn’t bother to dodge. He simply raised his hand and smacked the Green Cloud above his head. Instantly, countless green leaves spun out, intercepting the two golden hammers and holding them midair.
As Zhang Yan pushed forward within the green needle-cloud bloom, he began by orienting himself well, but as time went on, clouds continually erupted from the Green Cloud. These formed innumerable streams of gloomy green light that descended, eventually rendering the green-clothed youth’s figure invisible and making movement increasingly difficult. The sky seemed encased by an infinite tide of green suppressing him within a confined, narrow circle.
The green-clothed youth sat firmly upon the cloud, observing coldly below. Whenever the Green Cloud above his head shrank slightly, he would take a Medicine Mushroom from his Sleeve Bag, consume it, and silently operate his cultivation technique, restoring the Green Cloud to full expansion.
He had resolved to fight bitterly. Now, this area within a ten-mile radius was entirely enshrouded by the Mystic Cloud, ensuring no escape for his opponent. Power Cultivators were famously inept at Flying, so he figured he could patiently entangle Zhang Yan until exhaustion took hold. Could Li Yuanba have the stamina to outlast him?
Unbeknownst to him, his tactics perfectly aligned with Zhang Yan’s plans. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ NoᴠᴇFɪre.nᴇt
Pretending to struggle, Zhang Yan appeared to defend in helpless retreat within this sweeping Green Cloud. In truth, he was stealthily channeling his Inner Acupoint Yang Fire. As abnormal Qi entered, he would use Yang Fire to burn it and absorb the Essence Qi within, thus strengthening the fire with every cycle, feeling profound satisfaction internally.
Unwittingly, the fight persisted for three hours. Zhang Yan not only felt no exhaustion or weakness but grew stronger with every battle. With one punch, he stirred fierce stormwaves, blowing a massive hole through the ocean-like green tide.
The green-clothed youth felt puzzled and uneasy. By now, he had consumed his second Medicine Mushroom, yet Li Yuanba showed not the slightest sign of weariness. Considering how ferocious the combat was, the invasive Essence Qi in his opponent’s body should have long activated. Why then had this man not fallen?
Could there be a Dharma technique that neutralizes Essence Qi?
He frowned deeply. Power Cultivators strengthen their physical bodies, so the possibility couldn’t be ruled out. If that were indeed the case, then judging by Li Yuanba’s seemingly solid cultivation, the fight could stretch on for ten days or even months without resolution.
This realization irritated him deeply. Yet, now that things had reached this stage, retreat was no longer an option.
After a moment of deliberation, the green-clothed youth spoke, "Li Yuanba, to have lasted this long shows you are no ordinary figure. I won’t mince words—let me be honest with you. Even if you manage to take away this Ganoderma Ancestor’s shell today and leave Qingcun Mountain, I will still find you. At that time, your Divine Soul will be extinguished, and there will be no burial ground for your corpse. If you obediently surrender this shell now, I might consider sparing your life, acknowledging the hardships of cultivation."
Zhang Yan laughed heartily, "Born Spiritual Objects belong to those destined for them. Fellow Daoist, if you have the skill, take it yourself."
The green-clothed youth’s face twitched in fury. He pointed at Zhang Yan, cursing, "If you’re bent on seeking death, do you think I won’t grant your wish?"
He surged his Mana furiously, and in an instant, overwhelming waves of green surged forth, bamboo loomed into the skies, while streams of radiant light cascaded from the top of the Green Cloud, sweeping downward.
During their fierce battle, Hou Sanlang had been observing from a mountaintop. After watching for a while, he was secretly astonished at Zhang Yan’s strength and deliberated internally, "Li Yuanba is so powerful and appears unaffected by those demons’ strange moves. If this holds true, perhaps seeking his protection might deliver me from my plight."
Hou Sanlang did not suspect Li Yuanba might actually be Zhang Yan. This was because their cultivation paths differed entirely. In his view, no matter how Zhang Yan altered his appearance, changing one’s cultivation would be impossible.
At this moment, Hou Sanlang’s thoughts swirled as he pondered ways to sever ties with the green-clothed youth and plead for Zhang Yan’s assistance.
He weighed his thoughts carefully, realizing that his Hou Family’s reputation lacked sufficient leverage. However, invoking the Xiao Family’s name might yield an eighty-to-ninety-percent chance of success.
At this moment, he sensed something. Turning his gaze, he spotted several groups of tunneling light flying from afar. Stunned, his eyes flickered before retreating into the forest, hiding his form from sight.
The newcomers seemed wary of disturbing the combatants. Choosing not to approach the fight, they landed atop a nearby mountain peak. As the tunneling light dispersed, Shi Yifan and Yan Yuqin’s figures revealed themselves.
Shi Yifan fixed his gaze ahead, stunned as he murmured, "Judging by this green-clothed youth’s appearance, he must be the one Hou Sanlang mentioned. These two are truly formidable. Alone, I could never subdue them. But where is this Ganoderma Ancestor’s shell now?"
Initially, it was nearly impossible to locate Zhang Yan and the green-clothed youth amidst their skirmish. However, the sheer intensity of their battle dramatically disturbed the Spiritual Energy within Qingcun Mountain, ultimately betraying their location.
Yan Yuqin’s eyes burned bright as she observed Zhang Yan closely. She said, "Look at the man trapped over there—that’s Li Yuanba. I originally intended to recruit him as my Guest."
Shi Yifan smirked faintly and said, "And now?"
Yan Yuqin raised her delicate brows, declaring, "The people I desire—how could I not obtain them? Shi Master, you must promise not to compete with me!"
Shi Yifan glanced over at her several times but could only shake his head helplessly.
Just witnessing Li Yuanba handle the ferocious offensive of the green-clothed youth with such ease proved how impressive he was.
Shi Yifan had not heard of the man prior, but a cultivator of Li Yuanba’s caliber likely benefited from some Immortal Mansion opportunity to reach his current prowess. If there were no accidents, he could very well refine pill in the future. Why would such a figure willingly submit to others? Unless...
His thoughts stirred as he raised his head to analyze Zhang Yan’s seemingly forced predicament. Yet, he began to suspect Yan Yuqin’s hidden intentions.
...(To be continued. If you enjoy this story, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations or monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)