Qi Bai’s eyes blazed with fury as he frantically shook the Soul-Reaving Rattle-Drum, simultaneously summoning his treasured seal.

“Divine Art—Ox-Headed Hellspawn!”

The visage of a divine, Ox-Headed Hellspawn materialized, landing with a thunderous crash, joining the fray.

This being possessed the body of a man, the head of an ox, robust and imposing, standing over ten feet tall. Now, it lowered its horned head, charging at the Arbor Martial Fighting Ape like a section of city wall.

Ning Zhuo hastily manipulated the mechanical ape, narrowly dodging the attack.

Just as it seemed they would scrape past the Ox-Headed Hellspawn, the creature abruptly reached back, seizing the Arbor Martial Fighting Ape by its tail.

The nimbleness of this action, in contrast to its gargantuan frame, was strikingly incongruous.

Ning Zhuo, piloting the mechanical ape, lacked the agility to retract the simian tail in time.

In the next instant, the mechanical ape was seized by its tail, and the Ox-Headed Hellspawn hurled it away with brute force.

The impact was immense, stirring up a gale that dispersed the dust and debris from the collapsed buildings.

Qi Bai slowly rose, sheltering behind the Ox-Headed Hellspawn.

His gaze was fixed upon Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong, particularly the Azure Iron Warrior Armor.

“A mechanical puppet? A skulking rat!”

Qi Bai’s eyes were filled with deep-seated hatred.

With each breath, his wounds began to mend.

By the time he finished speaking, his condition had vastly improved, transforming from grievous injury to a minor one.

He had recovered.

That crucial breath, he had mustered all his strength, and finally, he had recovered.

“I was almost, almost defeated!”

A wave of intense fear washed over him.

The extreme sensation caused his heart to pound fiercely, faster than ever before.

Anger, rage, hatred, relief, and other emotions intertwined, finally causing Qi Bai to crack a sinister smile, “Hehehehe, very good, very good. Two Foundation Establishment rodents almost took my life.”

“You did well, brilliantly even, but alas!”

“After receiving my praise, die!”

In the next moment, the Ox-Headed Hellspawn and Qi Bai moved in two directions, flanking left and right, and charged over to kill.

“There’s no chance left, Xiao Zhuo, you go, I’ll hold them off!”

Sun Lingtong transmitted urgently.

“One misstep and everything is ruined, damn it!”

Ning Zhuo clenched his fists, gritted his teeth, his inner sea churned, unable to reconcile himself to the present situation.

Qi Bai was powerful, his combat strength was in a clearly higher league than their own.

Ning Zhuo had relied on the environment of the Immortal City, fighting on his own turf, and taking advantage of the terrain.

With the Immortal City’s great formation, outside Core Formation cultivators would suffer extreme suppression.

At the beginning of the battle, Ning Zhuo could turn the fight into a chase, using the numerous underground bases to delay and wear down Qi Bai’s strength.

However, although the trap had been successfully detonated, the actual combat effect was poor.

If it had been a Foundation Establishment cultivator, they would have been reduced to ashes long ago.

An ordinary Core Formation cultivator would have been blasted into a dizzy, disheveled mess.

But Qi Bai’s combat power remained intact, and even the golden light shield had not been broken.

Seeing this, Ning Zhuo immediately understood that even if he used the remaining underground bases to wear him down, it would not have much effect.

He decisively switched to a surface battle.

He directly fought Qi Bai, exerting all his strength, and almost exhausting the accumulation of his decades of mechanical creations, but he was only able to stabilize the situation and maintain the stalemate.

And this was still based on the fact that Qi Bai was disoriented by the area’s aura of luck, and was focused on capturing Sun and Ning alive, so he could torture them in front of each other for his amusement.

Qi Bai’s own combat power had never been fully unleashed.

Seeing that the situation was not right, Ning Zhuo had no choice but to detonate the Immortal Formation and activate its passive defense.

Most Core Formation cultivators would have been suppressed already.

However, Qi Bai displayed extremely strong combat power, and actually used his own strength to forcefully contend with the Immortal City’s great formation, and really wear away at the formation’s runes.

However, this also led to Meng Kui’s attack.

The appearance of the detached Peach Core was in line with Ning Zhuo’s expectations.

This was the first time the situation had really turned around.

Qi Bai was seriously injured and disoriented.

Ning Zhuo’s Hanging Mourner’s Whipping Lash could not break through his golden light shield when it struck him. It was only when he went all out, pushing the Azure Iron Warrior Armor to its limit, that he gradually extinguished the protective golden light.

However, once Qi Bai woke up, the time left for Ning Zhuo was minimal.

Although Ning Zhuo did his best, he was still delayed by Qi Bai’s endless stream of magic tools and treasures, and he was forced to catch his breath.

After Qi Bai summoned the Ox-Headed Hellspawn’s ghostly avatar, he regained his footing.

In just a few breaths, his serious injuries turned into minor ones.

Qi Bai’s healing methods were amazing.

He was worthy of being a true disciple of the Soul Devouring Sect, and to be sent here by the sect, his combat power was strong, completely capable of standing alone.

A wisp of despair spread in the hearts of Sun and Ning.

Sun Lingtong, with an unprecedented look on her face, transmitted, “Qi Bai has planted a mark on me, I can’t escape at all.”

“I’ll hold them off!”

“Xiao Zhuo, give me all your mechanical creations!”

“You go!”

“No!”

Ning Zhuo resolutely refused, manipulating the Arbor Martial Fighting Ape to block the Ox-Headed Hellspawn.

He held out his left hand, and a thunder talisman appeared in the palm of his hand.

Palm Thunder shot out, hitting Qi Bai who was closing in.

Qi Bai allowed the Palm Thunder to strike him, and smiled sinisterly.

In the next moment, his whole body transformed into a mass of ghostly mist, enveloping Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong.

The two of them both groaned, their hearts aching.

The ghostly mist was like a deadly poison, seeping into the mechanisms and bodies, contacting their souls, and violently corroding them.

Ning Zhuo was greatly affected and was unable to control the Arbor Martial Fighting Ape, which became stiff in its movements and was immediately swept away by the Ox-Headed Hellspawn.

The Ox-Headed Hellspawn howled and rushed into the ghostly mist.

Its fist, the size of a millstone, struck heavily against the Azure Iron Warrior Armor.

The Azure Iron Warrior Armor flew out like a cannonball, crashing into dozens of houses along the way, before embedding itself in a wall.

The Azure Iron Warrior Armor was severely damaged, Ning Zhuo’s forearm was almost completely exposed, a large piece was missing from the armor’s chest, and the helmet was full of cracks.

It would not be surprising if it completely collapsed in the next second.

“Boss.”

Ning Zhuo ignored his own injuries and immediately searched for Sun Lingtong.

Sun Lingtong was lying in the ruins of the house in front of her, struggling desperately, but her body was weak and pinned down by a turned-over beam, unable to break free.

Ning Zhuo activated the Azure Iron Warrior Armor and hurried over.

He bent down, ready to pry open the obstacles and drag Sun Lingtong out.

But in the next moment, Sun Lingtong suddenly bared a ferocious expression, her five fingers like knives, inserting themselves into Ning Zhuo’s abdomen through the huge gaps in the armor.
“Elder Brother!”

Ning Zhuo, caught off guard, suffered a grievous blow.

Sun Lingtong’s expression twisted, alternating between ferocity and sorrowful rage.

“I…I’m possessed by a ghost! Run, run quickly!”

He cried out.

Qi Bai, standing atop the Ox-Head Ghost Soldier’s shoulders, descended before Ning Zhuo, gazing down upon the two from above. “How does it feel? To be betrayed by your own brother?”

“Dangling-Temples Guest, you excel at mechanical arts, and I am skilled in ghost manipulation. Your brother is already under my control. Quickly, slay him, or he will slay you! Hahahaha!”

Ning Zhuo’s heart trembled violently.

In the next instant, a virulent ghostly mist arose once more, engulfing Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong.

Agonizing pain surged again.

Qi Bai retrieved his Soul-Shaking Rattle-Drum, beating it incessantly with a “dong, dong, dong.”

This caused Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong to bleed from all seven orifices, adding insult to injury, leaving them utterly devoid of the strength to resist.

“Ghost Soldier, go and claim their lives!”

Qi Bai whispered.

The Ox-Head Ghost Soldier roared deeply, charging forth like a meteor, its aura terrifying.

Its fist, the size of a millstone, descended with crushing force. This strike was certain to end the lives of Ning and Sun.

Strong… Too strong.

Once Qi Bai had steadied himself and his mind was clear, he revealed an exceedingly masterful grasp of tactics.

The Ox-Head Ghost Soldier applied pressure head-on, the virulent ghostly mist targeted the Adamantine Blacksteel Armor, and the hidden ghost possession left Ning Zhuo in an impossible situation.

His verbal threats were not merely for the sake of sadistic pleasure but were a smokescreen to allow him to smoothly execute his plans, creating a fatal opening for the Ox-Head Ghost Soldier.

The Ox-Head Ghost Soldier’s massive form cast a deathly shadow, completely enveloping Ning and Sun.

The two struggled even to stand, let alone parry or evade.

In Ning Zhuo’s perception, time suddenly slowed to a crawl.

This intense premonition of death was not unfamiliar.

Once, during a back-alley skirmish in the black market, he had been too young, making a fatal error in judgment, finding himself in dire straits, nearly killed before he could react.

It was Sun Lingtong who had flashed forth, desperately shielding Ning Zhuo with his own body from the incoming blade.

“Elder Brother!”

Ning Zhuo had exclaimed in shock, his face filled with panic.

Sun Lingtong had waved a hand, pulling out the dagger from his chest, blood instantly staining his robes. “Just a scratch.”

“Elder Brother!”

Ning Zhuo was overcome with guilt and self-reproach. Had he not been careless and negligent, Sun Lingtong would not have suffered such a grievous wound.

Sun Lingtong had tapped several pressure points to staunch the bleeding. “Hee hee hee, Little Zhuo, don’t be sad. You call me Elder Brother, so what’s it worth for an Elder Brother to take a hit for his brother?”

Now, Sun Lingtong’s hand-blade was deeply embedded in Ning Zhuo’s abdomen.

Sun Lingtong’s eyes were wide with fury, his spiritual eyes bleeding, wishing he could immediately commit suicide.

The giant fist descended, the wind howled, and the terrifying killing intent was suffocating.

Ning Zhuo raised his head, glaring fiercely at the Ox-Head Ghost Soldier.

The Ox-Head Ghost Soldier’s attack was suddenly blocked.

Suddenly, a figure, like a small mountain, stood tall before Ning Zhuo.

Ning Zhuo’s eyes gradually widened, looking at the figure before him, exclaiming in his heart: “Yuan Dasheng?”

The mechanical ape, intercepting the Ox-Head Ghost Soldier, stood with its head held high, its eyes emitting a radiant emerald light, a potent spirituality overflowing in all directions, its imposing presence inviolable.

It was—Though betrayed, his will unbent, his righteous spirit unbreakable as diamond. Having survived life and death, his spirituality remains, returning only to fulfill his duty.

Yuan Dasheng turned its head slightly and suddenly spoke, its voice deep and powerful: “Master,”

“Your subordinate has arrived!”

As if traversing a lifetime, as if crossing the boundaries of life and death, at this critical juncture, Yuan Dasheng was reborn, its spirituality fully restored, offering its aid.

“Yuan Dasheng can speak?”

Ning Zhuo was stunned.

At this moment, he felt that the gap between himself and Yuan Dasheng was gone, his control over it even clearer and more refined than before.

Without a doubt, this was a qualitative change.

Ning Zhuo understood in an instant: his all-out effort to save Sun Lingtong, his willingness to sacrifice himself, had greatly aligned with Yuan Dasheng’s spirituality.

“But how can it suddenly speak?”

Yuan Dasheng spoke again: “Master, what are your orders?”

Ning Zhuo suppressed his bewilderment, pointing towards Qi Bai: “Eliminate him.”

“Your subordinate obeys!”

Yuan Dasheng launched its assault.

The Ox-Head Ghost Soldier roared, blocking its path.

Yuan Dasheng directly overturned the Ox-Head Ghost Soldier, its momentum wildly violent.

“What is the matter with this mechanical puppet?”

Qi Bai felt a sense of foreboding and retreated hastily!

Virulent ghostly mist sprayed along its path, interfering with Yuan Dasheng.

Yuan Dasheng pressed forward relentlessly, ignoring the ghostly mist, continuing its charge.

Qi Bai frantically shook the Soul-Shaking Rattle-Drum.

Yuan Dasheng showed no reaction.

Qi Bai’s heart began to pound wildly, his mouth dry.

He activated his innate talent, the Spirit-Piercing Death Gaze.

The result was that Yuan Dasheng… had no soul.

“With no soul inhabiting it, how can it possess such sentience?”

Qi Bai couldn’t comprehend it. Yuan Dasheng closed in, and Qi Bai frantically unleashed numerous artifacts and magical treasures upon Yuan Dasheng.

Yuan Dasheng’s entire body surged with澎湃 vigorous blood energy, which was the blood-oil that Ning Zhuo had installed previously.

It unleashed its exquisite martial arts, deflecting and redirecting, forcibly withstanding the numerous magical artifacts and treasures, and slashing towards Qi Bai.

It fought fiercely and aggressively, not caring about its own life.

“The problem is that it’s just a mechanical construct. What life does it have to speak of?”

Qi Bai was beaten again.

But this time it was different from before.

His mind was clear.

Although his combat strength was suppressed, he could fully utilize it to its current limit.

However, Yuan Dasheng had torn Gold Core-level Firewalking Serpents apart with its bare hands before.

At this moment, its mechanical body was even stronger than it was in life, and with abundant blood energy, it could freely unleash the Demon-tainted Blood Meridian Art.

Yuan Dasheng also possessed Gold Core combat power, and the suppression it faced from the formation was much less than that of Qi Bai.

Qi Bai retreated step by step, crumbling into disarray.

“Damn it!”

The Golden Threaded Armor shattered, unable to provide protection.

“How is this mechanical puppet even more formidable than those Gold Core body cultivators?”

The rhythm of the battle was firmly controlled by Yuan Dasheng, and the advantage gradually transformed into a victory.

Qi Bai coughed up blood, severely injured once more!

He desperately wanted to escape, but he couldn’t.

The Immortal City Formation had already been activated, prohibiting all teleportation talismans.

Most of Qi Bai’s magical artifacts, treasures, and various spells targeted the soul, which was awkward when used against Yuan Dasheng.

“Old Brother, is this the mechanical ape you created?”

Sun Lingtong watched in astonishment.

Ning Zhuo himself found it hard to believe: “It seems so.”

He hadn’t expected Yuan Dasheng’s true combat strength to be so high.
Ning Zhuo mused inwardly, “This time, it seems it wasn’t just awakening its spirituality, but entering a higher realm! Yuan Dasheng’s martial techniques are even more agile and natural than before, as if it had never died!”

Yuan Dasheng threw a punch, flattening Qi Bai’s forehead.

He clung to Qi Bai’s body, and with a swift maneuver, twisted and broke Qi Bai’s left arm in the opposite direction.

Yuan Dasheng’s monkey tail coiled around, causing Qi Bai to lose his balance, and he extended his leg in a sweeping kick, directly shattering Qi Bai’s kneecap.

Qi Bai’s magical artifacts and treasures crashed against Yuan Dasheng, leaving the latter riddled with wounds.

The exchange between the two was extremely brutal.

But the problem was that Qi Bai was made of flesh and blood, while Yuan Dasheng was merely a construct of clockwork and gears.

In such a battle of attrition, Qi Bai was losing out massively.

He tried to create distance, striving with all his might, but to no avail.

Qi Bai excelled at controlling Netherworld Soul Generals, while he himself used spells and magical artifacts for ranged attacks.

This was his primary mode of combat.

He wasn’t a body cultivator, and relied mainly on his Golden Thread Armor for defense.

But after being worn down by Ning Zhuo’s repeated attacks, it was already shattered.

Qi Bai had no weaknesses when facing Sun Ning.

But against Yuan Dasheng, his vulnerabilities were immediately exposed.

“At this rate, I’ll die!”

Qi Bai never expected that the situation would take such a sharp turn.

At this moment, he was forced to the edge of a cliff, and could only fight to the death.

Netherflame Incineration!

His entire body erupted in pale blue Netherflame, the flames icy and capable of burning everything to ash.

Qi Bai frantically activated his Netherworld Gaze of Souls, and also cast the spell, River Styx’s Embrace.

The River Styx sizzled and steamed under the burning of the Netherflame, temporarily shielding Qi Bai.

But Yuan Dasheng did not have such protection; its entire body was rapidly disintegrating under the Netherflame.

“Damn it!”

Sun Lingtong exclaimed, visibly anxious.

Yuan Dasheng’s combat power was affected, rapidly declining.

If Qi Bai was allowed to recover, the previous situation would inevitably repeat itself.

But Yuan Dasheng roared to the heavens, its entire skeletal frame suddenly glowing brightly, radiating dazzling golden light.

Protected by the golden light, Yuan Dasheng was almost burned down to a skeleton.

But it still moved freely.

Celestial Endowment—Righteous Bones of Gold and Iron!

This was the first time Ning Zhuo had seen Yuan Dasheng unleash its Celestial Endowment.

“Why can Yuan Dasheng unleash its Celestial Endowment even in this new clockwork body?”

Ning Zhuo wondered.

The terrifying Netherflame could not burn away Yuan Dasheng.

It charged at Qi Bai once again, the two almost face to face.

Yuan Dasheng resolutely unleashed its signature martial skill, fiercely reaching forward.

With his vital point seized, Qi Bai was utterly horrified, his heart filled with icy dread.

“Wait!”

Shattering Sun Hand!

Yuan Dasheng had practiced countless times in life, shattering wooden balls, shattering stone balls, shattering iron balls.

Now, shatter human balls!

So what if he’s a Golden Core cultivator?

Even Immortals would cover their brows in pain.

Moreover, Qi Bai was not a body cultivator.

Qi Bai’s eyes were almost popping out of their sockets, his face ashen, and he screamed in a broken voice: “Owoooooo…”

If he had also cultivated the Undead Transformation Art like Han Ming, it would have been better.

But now…

Pain, excruciating pain, unbearable pain, a fate worse than death.

He fainted from the pain!

End of Chapter