Ripples spread across the passage, booms echoed one after another, and waves of terrifying pressure swept through like a gale tearing through scattered clouds, shaking the very walls of the corridor.
If not for the fact that
Nangong Ya gripped his long spear, golden light radiating from every strike. The techniques of the
Dantai Xue was as cold as her name suggested — icy, biting, chilling to the bone. The snowflakes conjured from her heavenly gift were sharper and more terrifying than any blade, surging forward with devastating ferocity.
But at this moment, Dantai Xue's most powerful weapon was not any of that — it was the flute in her hand. A true half-finished Emperor Armament: the Rune Soul-Capturing Flute!
The Rune Soul-Capturing Flute was a supreme treasure of the Curse Earth Gate, yet not only had Dantai Xue obtained it — she had also conquered it, binding it to her as its master. Now she could unleash its power freely at will.
Rune attacks were only the first phase. What Dantai Xue was employing now was the second phase of the flute's power — transforming runes into humanoid death warriors. Dozens of ten-meter-tall soldiers, each gripping a massive axe, radiating dense killing intent as they launched relentless, lethal assaults upon the Ghost-Faced Elder.
In theory, the combined strength of Dantai Xue and Nangong Ya should have been overwhelming. An ordinary seventh-rank half-emperor would have been slain and trampled long ago. But their opponent happened to be no ordinary figure.
The Ghost-Faced Elder's cultivation level was not particularly high, but the very reason the Nangong Imperial Clan had once invited him to teach Nangong Ya barrier techniques was that his mastery of the barrier arts was formidable. He was an expert in the way of barriers.
His combat strength with barrier techniques exceeded even his martial cultivation. So despite the combined assault of Nangong Ya and Dantai Xue, he could still hold his own with ease, never falling to a disadvantage.
"Impossible! This is impossible! You're nothing but a worm-patterned Imperial-robed Spirit World Master — how could you possibly break through this formation so quickly?!"
But suddenly, the Ghost-Faced Elder's face twisted violently and he let out a frenzied roar. Chu Feng had already shattered the formation and now held the ancient scroll in his hand.
Whoosh —
Sensing that something was wrong, the Ghost-Faced Elder panicked. His figure blurred as he shot toward Chu Feng's position, intending to seize the ancient scroll.
"Trying to run?"
But would Nangong Ya and Dantai Xue give him the chance? The two launched simultaneous attacks, locking him down completely. There was absolutely no way for him to break free.
"Fine — you two are in such a hurry to die. Very well, this old man will grant your wish."
The Ghost-Faced Elder was truly desperate now. His body began to emit a blood-red aura, and at the same time, his Imperial-tier barrier transformed from gold to a sinister crimson. The sight was deeply unsettling.
"Nangong Ya, be careful! He's using a forbidden technique from the barrier arts — it's similar in effect to a martial cultivator consuming a forbidden pill. The only difference is that he's not enhancing his martial power, but his barrier techniques."
Dantai Xue was the first to notice the change and immediately warned Nangong Ya, who was fighting at her side.
"What does it matter that you've noticed? You're all going to die regardless."
The Ghost-Faced Elder struck. This time, his attack was truly different. The blood-red barrier force surged forward like a flood that blotted out the sky, transforming into countless crimson skulls. Their gaping maws opened wide as they lunged at Nangong Ya and Dantai Xue. The overwhelming pressure of that aura instantly doubled the burden on both fighters.
…
Meanwhile, Chu Feng had not only obtained the ancient scroll — he had already opened it. And after seeing the contents inscribed within, he was beside himself with elation.
"What incredible luck — it's exactly what I've been dreaming of: the Evil Spirit Binding Formation."
Chu Feng was practically bursting with joy, because the ancient scroll did not merely record a barrier formation — it recorded a forbidden technique. The Evil Spirit Binding Formation.
As the name implied, it was a method capable of controlling evil spirits and bending them to one's will.