Chapter 31: Big Brother, Don’t Let the One Who Stole the Nine-Star Sword Grass Get Away Either!

Between heaven and earth, spiritual power surged wildly.

Anyone with even a bit of cultivation could feel the spiritual power filling the sky, howling like a gale!

The howling spiritual power formed a vortex, and the center of that vortex was the small-scale Formation!

Having lain dormant for three years, constantly refining blood sacrifices and absorbing the blood Qi and life Origin of over a thousand Cultivators, Yuan Xiao finally reached a point of explosive growth from his long accumulation, stepping toward the Core Condensation Realm.

"What terrifying power!"

"Why is the commotion from his Core Condensation so staggering?"

"Could it be that he's not just breaking through to the first level of the Core Condensation Realm?"

Feeling the spiritual power surging like a storm between heaven and earth, Deacon Sun's expression changed.

In the Dao of cultivation, normally, Cultivators break through one level of a Realm at a time.

However, there are exceptions to everything.

Some Cultivators with peerless talent and a solid foundation can potentially break through several levels consecutively, provided they have enough resources!

There are also Cultivators who spend long periods constantly accumulating power. When that power accumulates to a critical point where it can no longer be increased, they release it all at once to impact the barriers of a major Realm.

This allows them to break through two or three levels in succession!

Yuan Xiao's current Breakthrough gave Deacon Sun an uneasy feeling.

Xu Miaozhen watched this scene quietly, her jade-like hand tightening slightly around her spear.

Possessing the Great Desolate Battle Physique, she was an undisputed Prodigy.

Fighting those at a higher level was also a common occurrence for her.

A normal ninth-level Spiritual Sea Realm Cultivator would inevitably be absolutely crushed when facing a Core Condensation Realm Cultivator, with no possibility of fighting back.

But Xu Miaozhen was no ordinary ninth-level Spiritual Sea Realm Cultivator. With the Great Desolate Battle Physique, she could not only fight back but even turn the tables and gain the upper hand!

Previously, she had fought a powerful expert at the first level of the Core Condensation Realm and, relying on her powerful talent and foundation, successfully killed them!

Crossing the barrier of a major Realm to achieve a reverse kill!

But now, seeing this surging spiritual power, it seemed Yuan Xiao's Breakthrough might not be as simple as just reaching the first level of the Core Condensation Realm!

Crucially, this Formation was also quite powerful and could not be broken by brute force.

Either retreat now, or wait for Yuan Xiao to come out of his own accord after his Breakthrough for a battle!

To find the whereabouts of her younger clan sister, Xu Miaozhen had traveled to many places, finally finding her mummified remains here.

If Xu Miaozhen were to retreat now without seeking revenge, her heart would find no peace!

Moreover, if they left now, Yuan Xiao and the others would certainly not stay here foolishly. The world was vast; where would she find these enemies in the future?

"So what if it's the second level of the Core Condensation Realm? So what if it's the third?"

"It's not as if I don't have the strength to fight!"

Xu Miaozhen gripped her spear tightly, her expression resolute.

…

On the hilltop, inside the Profound Hidden Formation.

With Li Xuanfeng's help, the essence of the Nine-Star Sword Grass was finally extracted.

It was a globule of emerald-like liquid, with strange energy flowing slowly, and a faint Sword Intent being released.

"Senior Brother, let's leave this place first!"

Wei Qingyan felt the surging spiritual power between heaven and earth.

Knowing that the person in the Formation was undergoing a Breakthrough, once they reached the Core Condensation Realm, everyone would face great danger.

"No matter. Quickly absorb and refine it; I will be your Protector!"

Li Xuanfeng stood with his hands behind his back, calmly watching the basin filled with blood Qi and surging spiritual power.

The color of fate was his guide for action.

Neither he nor Wei Qingyan would be in danger.

Xu Miaozhen would likewise be safe.

As for Deacon Sun, his fate color was originally blue with a hint of yellow, but it was now gradually turning gray.

This indicated that he would encounter misfortune next, though his life was not yet in danger!

"Okay!"

Wei Qingyan trusted Li Xuanfeng completely.

Since he had made a decision, Wei Qingyan would not argue; she would simply do as he said!

The essence of the Nine-Star Sword Grass was just a catalyst; it wouldn't take long to awaken her dormant Supreme Sword Physique!

When the time came, her strength would soar. With the help of the sword spirit, even if she couldn't fight a Core Condensation Realm expert, escaping with her Senior Brother would be no problem!

Immediately, she stopped paying attention to the changes outside, sat down on the spot, swallowed the essence in one gulp, and began refining it!

…

The surging spiritual power grew more immense, and the aura within the Formation became increasingly terrifying.

"Oh no, is he going to break through directly to the second or third level of the Core Condensation Realm?!"

Deacon Sun's expression shifted repeatedly.

This terrifying aura gave him a sense of powerless suffocation.

Like an ant looking up at a giant, he felt deeply insignificant!

"Are you just noticing now?"

A mocking sneer curled the corners of Yuan Ting's mouth. The fear flashing in Deacon Sun's eyes made him feel gratified.

"Let's go!"

"We can't stay here any longer. It'll be too late once he breaks through!"

Deacon Sun's expression was extremely grave as he glanced at Xu Miaozhen.

If it were just the first level of the Core Condensation Realm, he felt Xu Miaozhen should be able to handle it, but the second or third level was a completely different story.

In the Core Condensation Realm, even a single level's difference meant a massive gap in strength!

"You should leave first; it truly is too dangerous for you!"

Xu Miaozhen didn't look at Deacon Sun. Her expression remained unchanged, her gaze firm as she watched the surging blood Qi within the Formation.

"Your strength may be great, but facing a Cultivator at the second or third level of the Core Condensation Realm, I'm afraid you…"

Deacon Sun and Xu Miaozhen were strangers; they were only temporarily in the same camp because they shared a common enemy.

"My mind is made up. Say no more!"

Xu Miaozhen interrupted Deacon Sun.

"Sigh~"

Deacon Sun sighed.

His goal was clear: Fan Jie.

In a one-on-one fight, Fan Jie would be no match for him.

Originally, he had high hopes for Xu Miaozhen's strength, thinking that even if Yuan Xiao broke through, Xu Miaozhen could hold him off.

He would then look for an opportunity to take down Fan Jie before Yuan Ting could intervene.

But now, it seemed there was no chance.

Although capturing Fan Jie was his responsibility, there was no need to throw his life away here!

"Take care of yourself!"

Deacon Sun cupped his fists toward Xu Miaozhen, admiring the woman's courage.

"Deacon Sun, are you so scared that you're running away already?"

From within the Formation came Fan Jie's sarcastic Yin and Yang voice.

"Hmph, Fan Jie, don't get too ahead of yourself. Once I return to Hundred Sword Mountain, I will naturally request a Gold-Badge Deacon to take action!"

"Even if you flee to the ends of the earth, you won't escape the pursuit of Hundred Sword Mountain!"

Deacon Sun snorted coldly.

Then, with a whoosh, he shot off into the air.

"Who gave you permission to leave?"

Just as Deacon Sun flew into mid-air, a cold, raspy voice came from behind him.

Arriving along with the voice was an incredibly immense aura.

"What?!"

Deacon Sun was shocked.

As the massive pressure of the Core Condensation Realm descended, the surrounding air seemed to become extremely viscous, causing Deacon Sun's flight speed to drop abruptly!

The Formation opened, and a figure stepped out unhurriedly.

The man was burly, like an iron tower, with a black beard reaching down to his chest and long hair splayed out.

His entire body emitted a blood-colored aura visible to the naked eye!

The terrifying pressure of the Core Condensation Realm filled the sky!

This person was none other than Yuan Xiao.

He had completed his Breakthrough, reaching the third level of the Core Condensation Realm!

Deacon Sun's face was as grim as still water.

As a Deacon of Hundred Sword Mountain, he had seen many powerful experts.

But it was precisely because he had seen them that he knew what the third level of the Core Condensation Realm meant!

This was definitely not a power he could contend with, nor was it a power Xu Miaozhen could withstand!

"If you didn't leave at the beginning, why the hurry now?"

"Stay here!"

Yuan Xiao waved his hand toward Deacon Sun, who was in mid-air, seemingly stuck as if in a quagmire.

Boom!

Deacon Sun suddenly felt as if a great mountain had been placed upon him. His body crashed toward the ground, slamming into a deep pit.

"You deal with the Hundred Sword Mountain Deacon yourself, Fan Jie!"

Yuan Xiao glanced indifferently at Fan Jie.

Fan Jie hesitated; he knew he was not Deacon Sun's match.

"You three, help him!"

Yuan Xiao glanced at the three guards.

These three guards had been helping him maintain the Formation for three years, and their strength was not low.

They were all at the third or fourth level of the Spiritual Sea Realm, not the first level as the Handyman House manager had said.

With the three of them working together along with Fan Jie, they would certainly have the upper hand against Deacon Sun, and killing him would be no problem.

"Big Brother, don't let that kid who just stole the Nine-Star Sword Grass get away either!"

Yuan Ting said from the side.

Three of his loyal subordinates had died at Li Xuanfeng's hands, a grudge Yuan Ting still held. Moreover, Li Xuanfeng had snatched the Nine-Star Sword Grass right under his nose; he couldn't let him go!

"Don't worry, not a single one of them will escape!"

Yuan Xiao's tone was indifferent, not taking Li Xuanfeng to heart at all.

Only the Peak ninth-level Spiritual Sea Realm Xu Miaozhen before him could pique his interest slightly.

"Please take action and break the Formation, Big Brother!"

Yuan Ting said with great joy.

Yuan Xiao nodded and took a step forward, arriving above the Profound Hidden Formation.

He reached out and pressed down toward the hilltop. A giant hand manifested from spiritual power appeared out of thin air and fell toward the Profound Hidden Formation.

Whoosh!

But just then, a spear shadow carrying a sky full of flames struck, directly shattering the spiritual power hand.

It was Xu Miaozhen taking action.

"If you've taken the goods, you should leave this place quickly. Why linger!"

Xu Miaozhen's voice rang out inside the Profound Hidden Formation.

"If you don't leave now, I won't have any spare energy to save you!"

Xu Miaozhen glanced at the Profound Hidden Formation, as if she could see Li Xuanfeng and Wei Qingyan inside.

Li Xuanfeng looked up at this scene but did not answer.

He hadn't expected Xu Miaozhen to actually step in to help him.

"It makes sense. If she wouldn't have helped, the color of my fate would have turned gray earlier!"

Li Xuanfeng thought.

[Ding! Xu Miaozhen has performed the Martial Skill 'Spear Fire Prairie', you have gained a small amount of experience, which has been returned tenfold. You have gained a portion of experience!]

The System notification sounded.

"Since you still have the leisure to save others, then I'll deal with you first!"

Yuan Xiao looked indifferently at Xu Miaozhen, a blood-colored longsword appearing in his hand.

In the next instant, both of their figures vanished simultaneously.

Boom!

A loud explosion came from the sky.

The terrifying collision directly turned a section of the area into a vacuum.

Xu Miaozhen and Yuan Xiao began their battle.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

With every exchange, a massive amount of spiritual power swept out in all directions.

"Interesting, interesting!"

"A ninth-level Spiritual Sea Realm Peak Cultivator can actually be this strong. In that case, I definitely can't leave you alive!"

Yuan Xiao's voice spread through the high sky.

He never expected this young woman to truly be able to contend with him directly.

But that was all.

He held the absolute upper hand!

Moreover, he was still familiarizing himself with this powerful new strength. The longer the battle lasted, the more disadvantageous it would be for Xu Miaozhen!

Killing her was only a matter of time!

"Deacon Sun, weren't you going to capture me?"

"Come on!"

On the other side, Fan Jie, leading the three guards, engaged the injured Deacon Sun.

Under the siege of the four men, Deacon Sun retreated repeatedly, his situation becoming perilous.

"It seems I have to take action personally after all!"

Yuan Ting looked at the two battlefields, then at the Profound Hidden Formation on the hilltop.

Whoosh!

His figure streaked across the sky, flying in front of the Formation.

"Damned kid, do you think hiding in a Formation will be of any use?"

Yuan Ting held a broadsword, looking coldly at the Profound Hidden Formation.