"You brat, you've got some skill — actually hiding a trick like that."
"But don't forget, these are my soldiers, forged by my own hands."
"Everything about them is within my grasp. To think you could use them to kill me — what a delusional fantasy."
Sima Xiangtu's words dripped with mockery.
Yet despite his claims that everything was under his control, his strained expression and the turbulent aura radiating from the puppet army told a different story.
Everyone could see that the puppet army was not entirely in Sima Xiangtu's hands.
Chu Feng was also controlling the puppet army!!!
Facing Sima Xiangtu's provocation, Chu Feng gave no reply.
He had no time to bother with such things.
He needed to pour all his energy and all his strength into seizing control of the puppet army.
As for Sima Xiangtu, though he appeared composed on the surface, he was no less focused, devoting his full power to wrestling back command of the army.
Under these circumstances, the soldier command seal in Chu Feng's hand and the soldier command token in Sima Xiangtu's hand simultaneously burst into radiance.
In that instant, not only did the half-god-level puppet that had already reached Sima Xiangtu's side freeze — Tens of thousands of puppet bodies throughout the army began to tremble violently.
Though there was no oppressive aura, the simultaneous release of their auras formed wave after wave of hurricanes that swept across heaven and earth.
In that moment, across the vast expanse of sky and ground, apart from the howling winds and the creaking of puppet bodies, there was no other sound.
Every single person stared, transfixed.
Whether it was the people of the Dan Dao Immortal Sect, or the enslaved Nine Souls Sacred Clan, or the Nine Souls Heavenly River powerhouses trapped here — They all understood what Chu Feng and Sima Xiangtu were fighting over.
And the outcome of that struggle would most likely decide all of their fates.
"Chu Feng."
Looking at Chu Feng in his current state, Wang Yuxuan wanted to say something.
But the moment she opened her mouth, a hand pressed down on her shoulder — it was Dao Hai Immortal Maiden.
Dao Hai Immortal Maiden knew that at a critical moment like this, Chu Feng absolutely could not be disturbed. Even the slightest disruption could throw off his concentration.
But Wang Yuxuan, watching Chu Feng like this, simply could not keep her emotions steady.
She bit down hard on her lower lip, her eyes already reddening.
All of this was because of Chu Feng.
The Chu Feng before them now — not only were veins bulging across his body, but his muscles had torn open, and blood continuously seeped from his flesh.
Wang Yuxuan could even hear the sound of Chu Feng's bones cracking and shifting.
Chu Feng was not merely giving his all — he was gambling his life.
And indeed, that was exactly the case. Chu Feng's control over the puppet army was actually inferior to Sima Xiangtu's.
Especially now that Sima Xiangtu had committed his full strength, Chu Feng was falling further behind.
The only reason he could still hold on was because of one person.
Chu Feng's gaze had remained fixed on Old Ox-Nose the entire time.
Looking at his master — whose throat had been pierced, who now looked so wretched — Chu Feng felt fury boiling inside him, and his desire to win only intensified.
He knew he absolutely could not lose.
If he lost, it would not only bring shame upon his master.
It would cost his master and his friends their lives.
Pfft — But suddenly, Chu Feng's body shuddered. His mouth flew open, and a massive spray of blood erupted from his lips.
It was not just his mouth — in that instant, blood also gushed from his nose, eyes, and ears, and from wounds across his entire body.
If Wang Yuxuan and Princess Xiaoxiao had not rushed forward to support him, Chu Feng would not have even had the strength to remain standing.
Swish, swish, swish — And in the next moment, the puppet army, in perfect unison, raised their weapons and pointed them toward Chu Feng and the others.
The puppet army was no longer trembling. It had regained its original imposing majesty.
And on Sima Xiangtu's face, A look of triumphant delight appeared.
Then there was Chu Feng's miserable state.
No one needed to say it — everyone already knew how this contest had ended.
In the end, this battle for control of the puppet army had been won by Sima Xiangtu.
"Master, I'm sorry. It was my incompetence."
Chu Feng hung his head, blood continuously dripping from his face.
But he did not dare look up. He could not bear to meet his master's eyes again.
He felt he had failed his master.
"Foolish boy, what nonsense are you spouting?"
"I watched your performance clearly. You didn't bring me shame — you brought me honor."
Old Ox-Nose let out a hearty laugh. Far from reproaching Chu Feng, his words were filled with praise.
"You're right — your disciple certainly did bring you honor."
And to everyone's surprise, Sima Xiangtu actually agreed with Old Ox-Nose's praise of Chu Feng.
As he spoke, he once again turned his gaze toward Chu Feng.
"Chu Feng, oh Chu Feng — you really are something."
"If Yao Cheng hadn't warned me in advance that you had figured out a way to control my army, and forced me to lure you all out, the army I forged with my own hands might truly have ended up under your command."
"What a pity — in the end, this old man still has the upper hand."
"But this old man is very pleased. With a genius like you around, success is practically inevitable for me."