In the banquet hall.
Cao Changjing swung his massive hammer, wreaking havoc in all directions.
A centipede demon seized an opportunity, transforming its long tail into a sharp sword that shot toward Cao Changjing like a flash of cold light.
At that moment, Cao Changjing's hammer was entangled by a snake demon, leaving him no room to react.
Just at this critical juncture.
A long sword intercepted.
Li Xuanxiao flicked his blade, severing the centipede demon's tail in one swift motion, then followed up with a decisive slash.
Only half of the centipede demon's body remained on the ground.
Strangely, the centipede demon didn't seem to feel pain. Instead, its body split into two separate demonic entities, lunging again at Li Xuanxiao and Cao Changjing.
Back to back, surrounded by a horde of demons.Cao Changjing sighed. "I've dragged you into this, fellow Daoist."
"Brother Cao, don't say such things. A true man should act thus! Knowing what to do and what not to do."
Li Xuanxiao ran his fingers along the blade of his sword.
"Hummm—!!"
The sword vibrated intensely.
Cao Changjing felt a surge of heroic spirit.
He had always been a chivalrous man at heart, though he had wandered aimlessly for thirty years.
Drifting through Zhongzhou, now returning to the war-torn lands of Cangzhou.
He didn't even know why—only that if he were to die, he wanted it to be in Cangzhou.
Like fallen leaves returning to their roots.
Unexpectedly saved by Li Xuanxiao, he thought finding something to do wouldn't be so purposeless after all.
And now, facing this life-or-death situation, Cao Changjing felt his long-dead heart ignite with renewed fervor.
Especially after hearing Li Xuanxiao's words: "A true man should act thus."
Knowing what to do and what not to do.
His eyes gleamed sharply, flashing with a chilling light that seemed to radiate endless killing intent!
It was the resolve of one prepared to die, an unyielding determination to fight to the last!
He suddenly raised his war hammer, swinging it in a powerful arc.
With thunderous momentum, he smashed it down onto an eight-zhang-tall mountain ogre!
"BOOOOM—!!!"
The hammer collided violently with the ogre, sending it flying backward. Even its armor, forged from compacted earth, shattered instantly into countless fragments that scattered everywhere.
Cao Changjing moved like a phantom, weaving effortlessly through the swarm of demons.
His war hammer became a tempest, striking relentlessly in a blur of shadows.
Around him, a seamless defensive perimeter formed within several zhang—any demon that dared approach was met with crushing hammer blows.
Light injuries for the lucky ones, instant death for the rest!
The demons were cowed by Cao Changjing's overwhelming might, fear creeping into their hearts as they retreated, no longer daring to challenge him.
The Nine-Skulls Master at the head of the hall let out a hiss.
He could clearly sense the shift in Cao Changjing's aura—in just moments, it had surged several times over.
Radiating with killing intent!!!
Thus, the demons turned their attention toward Li Xuanxiao, who seemed like easier prey.
But this battle seemed to have invigorated him, as if he had finally found his element.
Li Xuanxiao's spiritual sense lingered on the powerful auras nearby, particularly the Nine-Skulls Master, who had yet to make a move.
But the Nine-Skulls Master paid him little mind, his burning gaze fixed solely on Cao Changjing's rampage.
"..........."
Meanwhile, Li Xuanxiao's clone had already slipped away from the chaotic battlefield, infiltrating the back mountains.
Moving stealthily, he even captured a demon to serve as his guide.
His destination: the place where the Nine-Skulls Master imprisoned the alchemists.
Surprisingly, he encountered little resistance.
Before long, Li Xuanxiao arrived at the towering rear peak where the alchemists were held.
The peak rose into the clouds, shrouded in mist like an immortal's paradise.
Yet in stark contrast to this beauty, the scene atop the peak was one of frantic disarray.
Dozens of alchemists bustled about—some tending to cauldrons, others grinding herbs, and still others mixing ingredients.
Without exception, their faces were tense with anxiety, clearly rushing to complete some important elixir.
And surrounding these alchemists was a group of ferocious demons.
Weapons in hand, they glared at the alchemists, as if ready to tear them apart at the slightest provocation.
Li Xuanxiao recalled Cao Changjing's description of his friend's appearance, but in this crowd, he couldn't immediately pick him out.
So, he decided to deal with the demon guards first.
Three silver needles dissolved into faint streaks of light, vanishing into the air.
In moments, the guards collapsed simultaneously, poisoned.
The needles that struck first released their toxins more slowly, ensuring synchronized effects.
The busy alchemists stared at the fallen demons, exchanging bewildered glances.
Then Li Xuanxiao stepped forward. "Who here is Cao Changjing's friend?"
At these words, an old man who had been chewing on grass raised his hand and shouted:
"Me!"
"............."
"BOOM—!!"
Cao Changjing was sent flying back several zhang. Though panting heavily, his aura showed no signs of weakening.
The Nine-Skulls Master had finally made his move.
He hadn't expected his opponent to be so troublesome.
A warrior of the Military Path only grew stronger in battle.
In life-or-death struggles, they might not appear powerful at first.
Yet more often than not, they emerged victorious.
Now, Cao Changjing's murderous aura had peaked. Though covered in wounds, the surrounding demons dared not approach.
Only a few greater demons still engaged him.
Watching from afar, Li Xuanxiao couldn't help but feel astonished.
Several times, he had been ready to intervene.
To save Cao Changjing—yet Cao Changjing's performance far exceeded his expectations.
Pushed to the brink, fighting for survival.
This battle only tempered Cao Changjing into something greater.
"Tsk~"
Li Xuanxiao clicked his tongue inwardly.
This Cao Changjing had a clear mind, a righteous heart, and formidable strength.
He would indeed make a valuable ally in the future.
All the more reason not to let him die here.
Li Xuanxiao glanced at the Nine-Skulls Master.
Today, this foe would serve as Cao Changjing's finest whetstone.
Thus, from beginning to end, Li Xuanxiao never stole Cao Changjing's spotlight.
He allowed the danger to escalate, honing Cao Changjing further.
Cao Changjing lowered his hammer, steadying his breath as he locked eyes with the Nine-Skulls Master.