Xunuo naturally understood that this was not some Sword Light Divergence, but rather the might of the Seven Star Sword Formation. However, upon hearing the White-Clad Elder's scream, he couldn't help but mock, "So you're just another dead demon."
The White-Clad Elder's eyes flickered with fear and confusion for a moment before he murmured, "No, it's the Seven Star Sword Formation. How can you alone wield its power?"
Xunuo knew this tactic was feasible and felt a glimmer of hope as he coldly replied, "Do you still want me to take my own life?"
The White-Clad Elder's gaze grew colder as he pondered, "I don't know how you can unleash the power of the Seven Star Sword Formation, but encountering me today is a dead end for you. Even if it were just you alone, or if Ximen Tower and others formed the Seven Star Sword Formation, I am confident I could break it."
Just moments ago, Xunuo had combined One Flower's seven-point sword technique with the Seven Star Soul Locking Sword Technique to block that overwhelming sword light. If he were to use One Flower's ten-point sword technique, Xunuo was confident he would have means to counterattack.
However, Xunuo feared this opponent; sensing danger, he wanted to flee. Although he had speed to chase, he lacked the means to strike.
The safest method was to exhaust the White-Clad Elder's Inner Strength here and then unleash his most ruthless sword technique to eliminate any future threats. This was also why Xunuo had lured him into such a perilous situation.
Having made up his mind, Xunuo saw the White-Clad Elder's sword light approaching. He wielded the Seven Star Soul Locking Sword with such finesse that it seemed like a blue halo dancing on the cliffside, evading attacks effortlessly. Meanwhile, the White-Clad Elder swung his Azure Edge around Xunuo, unleashing waves of green sword light. Each burst of sword light dimmed the blue halo slightly. With each dimming of the blue halo, its speed increased as if Xunuo was using agility to compensate for his dwindling Inner Strength. Yet the White-Clad Elder's green sword light remained relentless.
After exchanging dozens of blows, the White-Clad Elder gradually sensed something was off. Despite seeing his opponent showing signs of exhaustion, Xunuo continued to hold on without revealing any fatal weaknesses. However, the young man in white was now on the ground, increasingly weary and his gaze becoming unfocused. If help did not arrive soon, his life would be in jeopardy.
Suddenly, the White-Clad Elder halted and leaped toward the young man in white, intending to take him away. But Xunuo rushed in like a whirlwind, thrusting his sword toward the young man. The White-Clad Elder hurriedly brandished his sword in response, and once again they engaged in fierce combat around the young man.
At this moment, the White-Clad Elder realized Xunuo's intentions and gasped in shock. He understood that this youth had no intention of escaping; instead, he aimed to eliminate both of them right here. After exchanging another seventy or eighty moves and seeing Xunuo grow bolder with each strike—his sword light becoming ever brighter—the White-Clad Elder knew it was impossible to rescue the young man now. If this dragged on any longer, he himself would be in trouble. With a long howl, he took flight and fled.
Xunuo had entangled him for quite some time and knew that his Inner Strength was nearly depleted; there was no way he would let him escape easily. He lunged forward with his sword and quickly closed in on him. The White-Clad Elder’s expression darkened as he turned back and unleashed a flurry of Sword Flowers directly at Xunuo.
Xunuo knew that this time, pursuing would mean a direct confrontation, completely different from the defensive maneuvers he had just employed. He was well-prepared, and with a flick of his wrist, he unleashed the One Flower technique, combining it with the Seven Star Soul Locking Sword's seven forms for a powerful strike.
With a resounding clang, Xunuo prepared to deliver his second sword strike. However, he noticed that the White-Clad Elder had dropped his sword, his eyes wide in shock as he stared at Xunuo. His mouth opened and closed several times, producing a series of incomprehensible sounds, while a stream of dark blood poured from his lips.
In the next moment, blood erupted from dozens of wounds on his body, and the White-Clad Elder fell stiffly to the ground. His back revealed numerous gashes, as if countless sword lights had pierced through him.
Xunuo stared in disbelief at the scene before him. The astonishment in his heart was greater than that of the dead man.
The One Flower technique combined with the Seven Star Soul Locking Sword's seven forms was undoubtedly Xunuo's most powerful swordplay at that moment. He had practiced it once before descending the mountain and found it quite effective. But he never expected such an outcome; this was beyond what Sword Flower could achieve. It seemed to be the result of condensing the Seven Star Sword Formation into its essence. Essentially, it was a refinement of the forty-nine forms of the Seven Star Soul Locking Sword Technique into just seven strikes.
After a moment of daze, Xunuo remembered his purpose. He used his Iron Sword to dig a deep pit in the ground and tossed the bloodied corpse inside. When he turned back to look at the white-clad youth, he found him already lifeless. He dragged the body over, ready to throw it into the pit as well when suddenly he recalled something and began to search the youth's body.
Xunuo remembered the Heavenly Shadow Spikes. There were six in total, and he had already obtained two. He still coveted such sharp weapons.
However, he found nothing on the white-clad youth. Jumping into the pit, he searched through the White-Clad Elder's body but still came up empty-handed. With a helpless shake of his head, he buried both corpses.
At that moment, he remembered that the White-Clad Elder's Iron Sword was still lying on the ground. Picking it up, Xunuo pondered for a moment before suddenly channeling True Qi into the Iron Sword and effortlessly executing the One Flower technique.
Xunuo knew that this old man's sword was no ordinary item; trying it out confirmed his suspicion. Naturally, he didn't want to let it go along with its former owner into the ground but also dared not reveal himself too openly.
As he examined the sword closely, he noticed two characters engraved on its blade: Azure Abyss. With that in mind, Xunuo turned to head back. The further he walked, the more he felt that carrying two swords was inappropriate. A young swordsman traveling with a single sword could attract attention but wouldn’t be considered unusual; however, carrying two Iron Swords would be rather ostentatious.
Having seriously offended Heavenly Shadow Sect this time, Xunuo knew he needed to return to Wuhua Sect quietly without drawing attention. He must ensure no one suspected him after having recently left Wuhua Mountain. If he were to flaunt two Iron Swords openly, it would be difficult to maintain a low profile. Thus, Xunuo decided to find a secluded spot along the way to hide the Azure Mystical Sword.
He chose not to travel during daylight and planned only to journey at night. Among several major cities remaining, he intended to inquire about news regarding Centennial Polygonatum. Regardless of whether there were any leads or not, he wouldn't waste time and would hurry back to Wuhua Mountain as soon as possible.
Only Feng Wubian from the Iron Fist Sect and the granddaughter of Wu Liangfang recognized him this time. At least their family had some kindness towards him, so they wouldn't betray him in return for their past favors.
As for himself, he needed to seize the opportunity to further improve his swordsmanship. He had to be ready at any moment for the Exposure of the Plot. Although he had made significant breakthroughs in his sword techniques recently, he felt he still lacked the strength to contend with the Heavenly Shadow Sect. If he ultimately revealed his flaws, he would have to wander at the End of the World.
He also needed to prepare for a potential escape in the future. In that case, it was necessary to refine some Revival Powder; it could be crucial for saving his life at a critical moment.
Xunuo analyzed everything in the forest and roughly planned his future path. He then thought about how sharp his technique, One Flower, combined with the Seven Star Soul Locking Sword's seven forms was. If he had known that earlier, he wouldn't have wasted so much effort dealing with that old fellow for half a day. It seemed that this approach was indeed the direction for his breakthrough. As for the unclear aspects and that unfathomable result, they were secondary.
With this thought, Xunuo gradually relaxed his body and mind, clearing away distractions and entering a meditative state. It wasn't until it was completely dark that Xunuo opened his eyes, stood up, and rushed towards the next city.
This place was called Sangliang Pass, which had six pharmacies. Although he didn't manage to buy any Centennial Polygonatum there, he did receive some news. It was said that in a nearby place called Chen Cheng Town, a branch of an Herb Shop had obtained a Centennial Polygonatum.
Upon hearing this news, Xunuo was overjoyed and immediately hired a carriage to rush to Chen Cheng Town. By the time he arrived at Chen Cheng Town, it was already past noon. The town wasn't large, and the driver took him directly to the Herb Shop's entrance.
Xunuo jumped off the carriage and hurried into the pharmacy. He saw a young attendant busy at the counter and asked, "Young man, do you have any Centennial Polygonatum here?"
The attendant looked at Xunuo with a strange smile and said, "We did receive a Centennial Polygonatum; however, young hero came a bit late—someone has already bought it."
After saying this, he gestured with his chin towards the side. Xunuo followed his gaze and saw two people sitting by a window in the pharmacy. Between them lay an exquisite wooden box containing a large Polygonatum inside.
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