The high platform the group stood on was roughly seven or eight zhang above the ground. After this much time, the level of the evil spirit spring water had already risen to three or four zhang.
But at this moment, the thick, fluid evil spirit spring water was climbing at a frantic rate, as if it had suddenly expanded.
Everyone’s face changed drastically.
In the span of three breaths, the evil spring water surged to the level of the platform, and it was still rising crazily.
"Not good!" Tao Yang cried out in alarm, his face filled with horror as he watched.
The others hastily shrank toward the center of the platform, terrified of accidentally falling off into the malevolent, evil-filled spring water. With the evil spirit spring erupting on such a massive scale, fleeing now was likely too late. Every face was ashen, their minds suddenly blank with shock.
The old man over there was equally filled with terror in his eyes. Although he knew of the evil spirit spring’s existence, this was his first time encountering it, and he had no idea what was happening.
Seeing the evil spring water about to envelop them from all sides, knowing this place was no longer safe, the old man let out a sharp, piercing shout. Rage and viciousness surged within him as he bellowed, "If you don’t want to die, follow me!"
As he spoke, his moves exploded with violent force, tearing a gap through the surrounding evil spirits. His true yuan burst forth to protect his four juniors as he dashed toward Yang Kai and the others.
The few members of the Carefree Sect hurriedly followed, employing various martial skills and artifacts to shield themselves. For the moment, their lives seemed secure.
Yang Kai’s expression was coldly indifferent. He narrowed his eyes, watching the old man rapidly approach, a chilling glint flickering within them.
The old man’s purpose in flying this way was obvious. In a few moments, this entire area would likely be submerged in the evil spring water. When that happened, the platform where Yang Kai and his group stood would become the sole safe haven. The defensive barrier formed by the overlapping twenty layers of his True Yang Energy could withstand the corrosive power of the evil spring water.
Facing this life-or-death crisis, the old man was resorting to a desperate gamble.
Upon drawing near, the old man didn’t rush to attack immediately. He simply looked at Yang Kai and said, "Young friend, there has been much unpleasantness between us. But at a time like this, I won’t waste words with you. How about having your friends make a few spots available?"
Yang Kai gazed at him with a mocking expression and replied flatly, "Can’t you see we’re already full here?"
The old man’s face sank. He spoke urgently, "That’s exactly why I’m asking you to make room! With the evil spring water fluctuating so abnormally, who knows what other changes might occur. Without this Shenyou Realm expert like myself, what are your chances of surviving? Your friends here vary greatly in strength. Just send out a few of the weaker ones! Remember, doing a favor for others is doing a favor for yourself!"
"Senior…" Yu Qing grew extremely anxious. From the old man’s words, it sounded like he had no intention of bringing along the entire Carefree Sect, naturally causing Yu Qing to panic.
The others also looked at the old man with indignant expressions. His words clearly meant he wanted a few of them to go out and die in their place.
Yang Kai let out a cold laugh and shook his head slightly. "I’m quite comfortable myself right now, so I have no desire to do anyone any favors!"
"You little brat, you’re asking for it!" A vicious look appeared on the old man’s face as he shouted angrily.
The evil spring water was rising higher and higher. He had no time to waste.
"If I’m not having a good time, none of you will either! Carefree Sect, join me! Drive them off this platform, and then we can all survive!" The old man raised his voice in a rallying call.
"Good!" Yu Qing was overjoyed, and without hesitation, readily agreed.
The expressions on everyone else’s faces on the platform grew extremely grim. This old fellow was clearly acting like a cornered dog. A Shenyou Realm, fifth level, along with seven or eight Zhenyuan Realm cultivators attacking them—they didn’t know if they could withstand such an assault.
Only Yang Kai remained smiling calmly, as if untouched by the wind. Looking at the old man, his eyes held nothing but disdain and mockery.
"Boom…" A sudden fire dragon erupted from the platform, shooting straight toward the old man and his group. Someone had struck first.
Now, the platform covered by the True Yang Energy defensive barrier was the only lifeline. No one wanted to give it up. The old man was being far too aggressive and bullying, so naturally, someone couldn’t hold back.
In the next instant, the power of various martial skills and artifacts blazed forth spectacularly.
The group surrounding the old man showed no weakness, returning fire with equal force.
But after just the first exchange, the people on the platform saw the dire situation.
All the attacks launched from their side were intercepted single-handedly by this Shenyou Realm expert, the old man.
Although blocking them had cost him considerable effort, he had succeeded nonetheless.
Conversely, the attacks from the Zhenyuan Realm warriors behind him forced the platform defenders into a frantic, disorganized struggle.
Everyone’s faces turned iron-gray. With a Shenyou Realm expert blocking the front, even if they wanted to strike down the people behind him, they couldn’t do as they wished.
In mere moments, the evil spring water had risen even higher, threatening to engulf the old man’s group entirely.
The four young people beside him and the Carefree Sect members were exerting every ounce of strength, displaying all their skills, desperately channeling their true yuan to launch furious attacks.
But the old man himself, with eyes sharp as a hawk’s, remained locked intently on Yang Kai. His instinct told him this mysterious young man was highly unusual and surely possessed some unknown, hidden abilities.