Six immortals—that's no small number. Of course, there are at least a thousand or eight hundred immortals who left their Xuanji Sect. But since they've become immortals, the higher their cultivation, the more they pursue the Dao of Heaven, and they've all long since gone off to cultivate in some unknown place.
This is also a common headache for all sects; the sect's heritage and the individual's cultivation are an irreconcilable contradiction.
However, Xuanji Sect was still a major sect, with several immortals residing there. That's why they were able to react quickly after their sect leader's failure, sending two immortals, one openly and one secretly. They originally thought that with two immortals involved, everything would be settled. Unexpectedly, when the time came, six immortals appeared, and their aggressive demeanor clearly indicated they were no pushovers.
They exchanged a glance, made a decision instantly, and with a flick of his finger, a faint black line disappeared into the void.
Xiao Wenbing smiled slightly; this was the moment he had been waiting for. Rather than leading a large force to the enemy's lair, it would be more fun to find a place and leisurely devour their reinforcements piece by piece.
Encirclement and annihilation of reinforcements—this is a common tactic, even in the Immortal Realm.
If the two hadn't signaled for reinforcements, Xiao Wenbing would have stalled them for a while. But now that the signal had been given, the fighting was about to begin.
At a command, the five demon immortals, utterly lacking any chivalry, rushed forward, brandishing their weapons and attacking Yu Hui and Zi Liao indiscriminately.
In terms of cultivation, the two elders of Xuanji Sect had been immortals for many years, and even if they were fighting five against one, they would not be at a disadvantage. However, once they started fighting, they became extremely frustrated.
The two elders held immortal artifacts, but only ordinary lower-tier ones. Yu Hui held a black whisk, and with each swing, a dense black aura spread out, attempting to envelop everyone. Zi Liao's immortal artifact was an ordinary immortal sword, but in his hands, it also erupted with countless rays of light, its sharp sword energy crisscrossing up and down. The space in front of him was filled with a fierce killing intent.
Compared to the two of them, the five demon immortals seemed much more shameless. They simultaneously threw out a small shield. This shield, made of some unknown material, instantly merged into one, and the white light shield blocked all the black air currents and sword energy several feet away.
"Go up!" Chicken Fairy suddenly shouted, leaping into the air first, followed closely by the other four demons.
Yu Hui glanced at Di Mupu and the others beside him, and hesitated.
Xiao Wenbing observed this and smiled, "Don't worry, I won't touch them until the outcome is decided."
Having received Xiao Wenbing's promise, the two elders of Xuanji Sect breathed a sigh of relief.
In fact, when Chicken Immortal and the others left the battlefield, they wanted to temporarily retreat with Wood Porridge and the others. However, although Chicken Immortal and the others were in mid-air, they were still watching them intently. Taking the three of them with them might not be enough to shake them off. On the other hand, if they wanted to go up and fight, they were afraid that Xiao Wenbing would launch a sneak attack and capture Wood Porridge and the others again.
Although Mu Puling and his companion possessed top-tier Tribulation Transcending cultivation, no one could guarantee how many moves they could withstand against Xiao Wenbing, who was clearly the leader of all immortals.
Just as they were in a dilemma, Xiao Wenbing spoke up at the right time. Although they were still somewhat hesitant, they had no choice but to choose to believe him.
With a flash of cold light, the group had already flown into the air.
The battle between immortals is unlike that between cultivators; every move they make contains immense energy. If they were to clash with their full strength on the surface, even a small mountain would likely be flattened.
Therefore, most immortals suppress their power when they fight each other in the open. Only when they reach a height of several thousand meters in the sky will they unleash their full power and fight to the death.
In mid-air, the exchange between these individuals truly showcased the immense power of immortals.
The clump of black lines in Yu Hui's hand seemed to expand a hundredfold in an instant, strung together like a fishing net without holes, obscuring half the sky.
The other half of the sky was radiant with light and vibrant colors.
Although it was just an ordinary immortal sword, when Zi Liao wielded it, it seemed to be given a new life, with endless sword energy surging out from the sword. The dazzling white light was so bright it was blinding.
In contrast, the five demon immortals, who were fighting a celestial being for the first time, appeared hesitant and timid. After all, they had only survived their heavenly tribulation for less than two years, and even if they had reached the Integration Realm, it was only a short time. In terms of confidence, they were far from being able to defeat the immortals.
They are far inferior to the two old guys opposite them who have cultivated for ten thousand years.
Therefore, at the start of the battle, the two elders of the Xuanji Sect were outnumbered and surrounded the enemy. They unleashed the full power of their spells and magical artifacts, leaving the enemy only to sigh in relief, for they had never fought so comfortably before.
Seeing the scene in the sky, Mu Puling and Hua Yi glanced furtively at the expressionless Xiao Wenbing, their hearts pounding with anxiety. They wanted to cheer, but were afraid of angering Xiao Wenbing and getting trouble for them. After much deliberation, they decided to keep their mouths shut and quietly make their fortune.
In the sky, the two elders of the Xuanji Sect attacked with increasing ferocity. Such a depletion of magical power was not a significant burden for them. If they were allowed to continue unabated, fighting non-stop for several days and nights would be a common occurrence.
However, their good mood didn't last long, because after enduring the initial period, Chicken Fairy and his team finally launched a counterattack.
The immortals who ascended to the Immortal Realm with Xiao Wenbing all possessed a standard magical artifact: the Xuanwu Secondary Shield.
This super treasure, specially designed to withstand a massive calamity involving tens of thousands of people, is not just for decoration. It is a magical artifact capable of withstanding a calamity involving tens of thousands of people, far surpassing any ordinary immortal artifact.
Therefore, once the five Xuanwu secondary shields formed a miniature earth shield array, neither the black lines nor the white sword light could pose any further threat to the five demon immortals hiding within the shield array.
Seeing the two outside putting on their best performance, the initial excitement of their first encounter with an immortal gradually faded. Since you can't defeat me, what is there to worry about?
Thinking of this, the five people in the shield formation could no longer hold back and began to fight back.
Chicken Immortal's attack weapon is a pair of eagle claws. When it swings, different colors flow from the claws. The more vibrant the color, the greater the power.
The other three demon immortals also displayed their supernatural powers, each summoning their own divine artifacts, which merged with the colorful light of the Chicken Immortal's artifact and flew out of the shield formation. Only the Pig Immortal remained, carrying his nine-toothed rake, without making a move.
This pig spirit not only bears a resemblance to Zhu Bajie from Journey to the West in appearance and physique, but also in temperament. Seeing a fight, especially one where the many are ganging up on the few, he was itching to fight. However, just as he was about to make a move, he received a telepathic message from Xiao Wenbing, forbidding him from using his rake.
Old Pig was in a dilemma after hearing this. He knew, of course, that the weapon in his hand was meticulously crafted by Xiao Wenbing, and in terms of power, it was probably even slightly inferior to Quini's Flame Spear and Shabir's Banana Leaf Fan. Therefore, after obtaining the Nine-Toothed Nail, he had long wanted to find someone to fight and test the power of the immortal weapon in his hand.
Since Xiao Wenbing had said no weapons were allowed, there was no room for negotiation. Seeing his four companions fighting so fiercely, he wanted to join in, but without weapons, with his limited cultivation, he would only be trampled upon. Helpless, he could only stay on the sidelines and sulk.
As for Yu Hui and the other two, they were overjoyed to see a sudden burst of light within the shield formation, and that Chicken Immortal and the others had come out to fight them.
Their attacks were indeed fierce, but no matter how they changed, the energy hitting the shield formation vanished without a trace. Faced with this unprecedented shield formation, they couldn't help but feel like mice trying to pull a turtle, completely at a loss.
Fortunately, these people finally couldn't hold back any longer and took the initiative to attack. They didn't hold back and immediately engaged them. Although their men were still hiding in the shield formation, at least their weapons were out. As long as they could knock their weapons out, they wouldn't be afraid to come out obediently.
In an instant, lightning flashed across the sky as several immortals clashed with all their might, instantly turning this small area into a bustling scene. Loud rumbling sounds echoed through the air, and amidst the interplay of beams of light, extremely powerful and destructive energy erupted.
The two elders of Xuanji Sect lived up to their reputation as veteran immortals. Although outnumbered, they held their own against the four demon immortals, and even gained a slight advantage.
However, with a Xuanwu Shield Formation guarding them, the four demon immortals were virtually invincible. They focused intently on manipulating their immortal weapons to launch a full-scale attack, and for the time being, they showed no obvious disadvantage.
While the sky was ablaze with color and the ground bustling with activity, the land itself suffered collateral damage.
Countless fur stacks were swept by the intense whirlwind sword light and instantly torn to shreds.
The most unfortunate were Mu Purin and Hua Yi, who not only had to protect themselves but also take care of Mu Xuanli. They exerted all their strength to maintain their protective shields, but still felt extremely strained. Only then did they truly understand just how vast the gap was between cultivators and immortals.
Suddenly, they both felt the pressure around them decrease significantly. Looking closely, they saw that Xiao Wenbing had reached out and pulled, using some unknown method, and an invisible barrier had enveloped the area within a radius of several dozen feet. The various colored lights in the air continued to surge, but the barrier could no longer be shaken in the slightest.
Volume 18, Chapter 2: The Nine-Toothed Rake (Part 1)
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Although Xiao Wenbing's intentions are unclear—even if it was an act of overflowing compassion, there was no need to save all three of them—his action undoubtedly reduced the three's animosity towards him to a great extent.
Sensing this, Xiao Wenbing turned to Mu Puling and smiled kindly, saying, "I didn't mean to humiliate you. If your son hadn't offended my friend first, I don't think we would have ended up fighting."
Mu Puling and Hua Yi actually believed seven or eight parts of this statement. They figured that given the other party's considerable strength, they wouldn't be blaming them for no reason. Turning around, they glared angrily at Mu Xuanli.
Mu Xuanli cried out in his heart that he was wronged. He pointed to the people fighting above his head and said in a low voice, "Father, that's a chicken demon. It's a chicken demon that just broke through to the Nascent Soul stage."
Mu Purine and Hua Yi were both taken aback, a flash of anger crossing their faces simultaneously. Had this kid lost his mind? How could a mere chicken demon who had just broken through to the Nascent Soul stage fight two patriarchs to a standstill? No matter how well-mannered they were, their faces darkened at this moment.
Seeing his father's unfriendly expression, Mu Xuanli quickly said, "No, I mean... right, I mean, when I saw him just now, he had just broken through to the Nascent Soul stage."
Mu Pulin slapped him hard across the face. He was, after all, her son, so even in her fury, she didn't use her full strength. She only knocked him to the ground: "Nonsense! You've only known him... this senior for a few days. Could he really have gone from the Core Formation stage to the Immortal realm in just a few days?"
Mu Xuanli was stunned, covering her face, unable to explain at all.
Seeing that things had gone far enough, Xiao Wenbing stepped forward and advised, "Sect Master, there's no need to be angry. In fact, we were joking around with the Xiao brothers at the Xiao family home when your son suddenly came in, specifically demanding to capture the Chicken Fairy and raise it like poultry. He even arbitrarily declared it a servant without waiting for the Chicken Fairy's consent, so..."
Mu and his companion were drenched in cold sweat. Such actions would lead to certain death anywhere. If that were the case, even if the Chicken Immortal merely took him as a servant, or even if he were ground to dust, they would have no way to seek justice.
"Alas, this was our fault. I apologize to you, fellow immortal."
An aged accent came from the outside. An old Taoist priest with white hair and beard appeared silently beside Mu Puling.
Xiao Wenbing's pupils suddenly contracted. Just now, he had been warned by the Mirror God that someone was sneaking close.
Anyone who comes here at this time is most likely from the Xuanji Sect, and Xiao Wenbing doesn't want to truly incur a deep hatred with this sect, hence his pretense. However, when the old Taoist priest actually appears beside him, Xiao Wenbing is still greatly surprised.
To think that it could break through my defensive barrier silently. Such skill is indeed far beyond my reach. The Immortal Realm is indeed full of experts; I must not be careless.
What surprised Xiao Wenbing even more was that the old Taoist priest looked very familiar, because he resembled someone so much.
The old Taoist was also surprised. Why was this person staring straight at him without even responding to his bow? He could only cough lightly and say again, "This old Taoist apologizes to you, fellow immortal."
"Ah." Xiao Wenbing said as if waking from a dream, "You're too kind, sir." He glanced at him again, thinking to himself that it was truly an anomaly that there were people in the world who looked so alike.
“Fellow immortal, since it’s a misunderstanding, how about we let them stop for now?” The old Taoist’s eyes flashed with a sharp light, then he said in a gentle tone.
"Give up?" Xiao Wenbing chuckled. "I think it's unnecessary."
"Oh," the old Taoist priest said, stroking his beard, looking quite surprised.
Xiao Wenbing's smile faded, and he asked seriously, "Please observe, sir, are there any dangers to their lives in their fight?"
"No." The old Taoist priest pondered for a moment before finally telling the truth.
Although the fight between the people above was quite lively, it could only be described as a martial arts contest, far from a life-or-death struggle.
"To be honest, we brothers just arrived here and haven't met our match in a long time." He then pointed at Mu Xuanli and said, "I can let bygones be bygones regarding his affairs. But at least you should play with us to our hearts' content, what do you say?"
"Alright." Mu Puling was overjoyed. Given what Mu Xuanli had done, he was certain to die. Even he wouldn't dare to plead for his precious son. But hearing Xiao Wenbing's words, which suggested letting the boy go, he naturally agreed without hesitation.
Then, he turned to the old Taoist priest and said, "Grandpa, Xuanli is your direct great-grandson. You must agree no matter what."
The old Taoist priest was taken aback, shook his head slightly and sighed, saying, "In that case, this old Taoist thanks you, fellow immortal."
Xiao Wenbing's expression was strange as he asked, "Is this your great-grandson?"
The old Taoist priest blushed and said, "That's right. Although there are several generations between us, he is indeed my direct great-grandson."
"Alright, for your sake, after Chicken Immortal and the others finish their duel, I'll order him to terminate the master-servant contract."
A golden light flashed in the old Taoist priest's eyes.
He noticed that Xiao Wenbing had casually uttered the word "order." This clearly showed that his position was much higher than that of the five people fighting above.
At that very moment, he made a decision: this person absolutely could not be offended.
Indeed, someone who can have five immortals as subordinates must possess either great supernatural powers or an extremely powerful background. However, regardless of the type, such a person is not someone to be trifled with.
Suddenly, a furious shout came from the air: "What kind of skill is it for you juniors to hide in your tortoise shells and not dare to come out?"
Chicken Fairy and the others blushed. They had already outnumbered the enemy and had taken refuge in the shield formation, so their victory was indeed dishonorable.
Having survived the Heavenly Tribulation and reached the Integration Realm, they still possessed some self-respect. Almost simultaneously, Chicken Immortal and the others retracted their Xuanwu Secondary Shields and, relying solely on their immortal artifacts, once again became entangled with the two elders.
Yu Hui secretly gave Zi Liao a thumbs-up, the meaning clear: you're impressive, kid. Zi Liao smiled smugly, and the two elders perked up, their whisks and immortal swords shining even brighter as they swept towards the assembled demons and immortals.
Without the shield formation, the demon immortals' defensive capabilities were significantly weakened, and they could no longer rely solely on offense when facing the two elders. Over time, the difference in their cultivation levels gradually became apparent, and they slowly found themselves at a disadvantage.
Among them, only the Pig Immortal, still holding his Nine-Toothed Rake, watched the spectacle under the protection of the Chicken Immortal and the other three.
Since he didn't make a move, the two elders, Yu Hui and his companions, wouldn't actively seek trouble with him. In fact, it was just the four Chicken Immortals against the two elders. They continued their fierce battle in mid-air, thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Seeing that his own people were clearly gaining the upper hand, and fearing that he would anger Xiao Wenbing, the old Taoist priest silently channeled his inner energy and transmitted his voice to Yu Hui and the other person who were fighting fiercely above: "Be careful, don't lose, and don't hurt them."