Chapter Fifty-Four: The Unfamiliar Youth

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Lingyun Mei unleashed her masterful Four Seasons Sword Technique, the killing moves within performed with peerless finesse. She had reached a level where not even wind or rain could penetrate her defense, and the enhancement of her spiritual power combined with the treasured sword in her hand made her appear as a celestial maiden, darting gracefully through the air. Not only was her posture elegant, but her attacks were devastatingly powerful. Soon, Lingyun Mei slew the two one-eyed celestial wolves besieging her; yet, as soon as they fell, others rushed to take their place. The relentless cycle of attacks left Lingyun Mei anxious; beads of fragrant sweat formed on her brow. Before long, blood from an injured wolf splattered onto her, much to her dismay—she, who loved cleanliness, now had no way nor time to avoid the gore, forced to fight desperately against the beasts before her.

At the same time, Qingyu He was no less strained. His perfected Thundercrack Fist could call upon the might of heaven’s thunder to vanquish foes, but such prowess consumed his spiritual power rapidly, leaving him gasping for breath. Fortunately, he too wielded a formidable sword, and his swordplay had reached impressive heights—unsurprising, for he was a gifted disciple of Master Lingfeng. After he unleashed the immense power of lightning, he followed with a swift thrust of his flying sword, the two attacks in tandem slaying three or four one-eyed celestial wolves before him.

Though the wolves were extraordinary spiritual beasts, they lacked intelligence and failed to evade threats, giving Qingyu He ample opportunity to shine. By combining his techniques, he quickly dispatched seven or eight wolves, making him the mainstay among the four small groups.

Yang Xiao, relying on his elusive movements, originally had no need to confront so many wolves head-on. If alone, he could easily evade them; but now, with four fighting together, any attempt to escape would only draw the wolves toward his companions. Each held a position, and if any retreated, it would threaten the others. Thus, Yang Xiao had no choice but to face the wolves directly—his swift movement techniques became far less effective.

At first, Yang Xiao refrained from using his full strength, merely thrusting his spear in sudden attacks at the wolves’ bellies. However, this method lacked killing power; after much effort, he managed to slay only one wolf, and as more wolves joined the assault, he could no longer rely on surprise attacks. The coordinated wolves denied him any chance to single out one for an ambush.

Seeing his companions under immense pressure, Yang Xiao was forced to unleash his killing move. Though the Sword Soul Realm technique applied to his spear reduced its might somewhat, it still held tremendous destructive power against the relentlessly attacking wolves.

Dozens of spear shadows flashed before Yang Xiao, striking at several wolves from uncanny angles. With several hissing sounds, four or five wolves collapsed instantly, dead on the spot; Yang Xiao’s burden was greatly eased.

The others noticed Yang Xiao’s feat and were shocked; they hadn’t expected him to have such a formidable killing move. Yet this also relieved some of their own pressure, and they retreated toward Yang Xiao, newfound confidence rising in their hearts that they might break through the siege.

In such a war of attrition, each person was anxious. Though none were weak in cultivation, the wolves’ relentless attacks left them with little hope for victory. Now, Yang Xiao had given them hope; they were both delighted and intimidated by him.

Lingyun Mei remained calm at Yang Xiao’s display, knowing his strength was unfathomable and that he would surely find a way through the wolves’ encirclement.

Hao Gang, however, felt a growing fear toward Yang Xiao. He increasingly realized the gap between them. Once, Hao Gang had hoped to challenge Yang Xiao relying on his own spiritual weapon, but now he saw he scarcely stood a chance; another duel would surely end in defeat. In fact, the gap was widening—though Hao Gang’s cultivation was advancing swiftly, compared to Yang Xiao, it was like the difference between heaven and earth.

Qingyu He, too, sensed the immense power within Yang Xiao’s Sword Soul technique. He felt fortunate that Yang Xiao hadn’t used this move in their earlier contest; otherwise, his defeat would have been even more humiliating. Qingyu He thought that to challenge Yang Xiao again, he would have to wait until he reached the Qi Condensation stage.

Though each had different thoughts, their morale was greatly boosted. Every one of them brought forth their highest level of skill, striving to overcome the peril of the beast tide.

They truly deserved their reputation as elite disciples of the Giant Spirit Sect; the dense tide of beasts, numbering over a hundred wolves, was soon reduced considerably.

After some time, the beast tide encircling them visibly diminished, with their numbers suddenly halved. In other words, after their fierce battle, more than fifty wolves lay dead. Their bodies were piled into a small mountain, and the group now stood atop it, emboldened by the advantageous terrain and determined to wipe out the remaining wolves completely.

Though exhausted, none showed any intention of stopping. Among them, Hao Gang was the most severely wounded, but when Qingyu He suggested he rest, Hao Gang refused. He was a proud man, unwilling to be sheltered by his companions; it simply wasn’t his nature. Thus, though blood still seeped from his wounds, he stubbornly continued to fight.

“Stop, all of you. Leave these wolves to me,” a stranger’s voice suddenly rang out from the perimeter of the wolves as Yang Xiao and his companions fought fiercely. Clearly, the newcomer intended to help them.

Yang Xiao and the others were astonished; how could anyone else appear in this boundless sea of sand? Yet since the stranger meant to help, they naturally turned their gaze toward him.

On the edge of the wolf pack, a young man clad in beast pelts, with dark skin and bare arms, walked toward them. He carried no weapons, only a long flute in his hand. Evidently, this was the one who claimed he would rescue Yang Xiao and his companions.

Yet he carried no weapon—was this not absurd? Did he truly intend to save the four of them bare-handed? To Yang Xiao and the others, it seemed little more than a joke. Thus, they kept fighting fiercely against the wolves, paying the newcomer only a little attention as they continued their desperate battle.