C46 But They Didn't Say That They Wouldn't Cripple You!

Atop a desolate mountain, Leng Baiyu and his party of five wasted no time in confronting Liu Xingchang. Concerned that Liu Xingchang's reinforcements might arrive at any moment, they launched their attack swiftly.

The imminent clash between Liu Xingchang and the quintet saw the immediate transformation of ninety Spirit Mark Runes into those of the speed attribute. Having previously crossed swords with Liu Xingchang in White Rock Town, Leng Baiyu wisely chose not to lead the charge.

The first to engage Liu Xingchang was a strapping young man with a booming voice. Wielding a Seven Star Chopping Blade, he exuded the formidable presence of the Second Layer of Spirit Mastery Realm. His years of competition and trials had accelerated his advancement far beyond the average person.

Unfortunately for him, Liu Xingchang effortlessly countered with a single backhand sword strike, sending the youth and his blade hurtling away without even deploying a skill. Onlookers gaped in astonishment as Liu Xingchang, too, radiated the aura of the Second Layer of Spirit Mastery Realm. Were cultivators of this caliber now commonplace in the selection competition?

The crowd was further astounded to see the burly young cultivator, also of the Second Layer, defeated in one fell swoop. Leng Baiyu narrowed his eyes and commanded, "Let's attack him all at once!"

Leng Baiyu had previously allowed Liu Xingchang to escape, recognizing his exceptional strength and the unknown might of his allies. Now, having isolated Liu Xingchang, they were determined to launch a collective assault.

Leng Baiyu was convinced that with a four-on-one attack, Liu Xingchang's defeat was certain. Yang Changqing was a cultivator of the First Layer of Spirit Mastery Realm. The enchanting girl, despite her Ninth Stage cultivation, wielded significant influence as an illusionist. Leng Baiyu himself was a Second Layer cultivator. Additionally, they had enlisted a rogue cultivator from an inn within the city, who possessed the Third Stage of Spirit Master Realm cultivation.

Ultimately, Liu Xingchang was merely a cultivator at the Second Layer of the Spirit Mastery Realm. How could he stand a chance against the four of them?

The muscular youth had lost his combat abilities, yet it didn't hinder their chances of defeating Liu Xingchang!

But, could they truly overcome Liu Xingchang?

Bolstered by the Holy Water Rune, Liu Xingchang's speed—both in movement and attack—reached incredible heights. As the quartet launched their assault, he effortlessly sidestepped the sword-wielding youth's strike and parried Leng Baiyu's blade with ease. Narrowing his eyes, he shattered Ji Wu's illusion with a mere glance.

Liu Xingchang's spirit once belonged to the ruler of the Northern Polar Heaven Domain, his mental prowess formidable. Could a simple illusion from a Ninth Grade Cultivator ever breach such a defense?

In that brief moment, Liu Xingchang drove his sword into the heart of the slowest among them, Yang Changqing.

Yang's eyes bulged in shock, then he disintegrated into specks of light that vanished within the array, his essence absorbed by Liu Xingchang.

The group's combined assault not only failed to scratch Liu Xingchang but resulted in one of their own falling to his blade.

Onlookers gaped, awestruck by Liu Xingchang's feat, reminiscent of a general seizing the enemy leader amidst a sea of soldiers.

"Don't let him catch his breath, attack now!"

Leng Baiyu had grossly underestimated Liu Xingchang's capabilities and bellowed the command.

The sword-wielding youth confronted Liu Xingchang directly, while Ji Wu drew a dagger and lunged at him. Leng Baiyu twisted on his heels to appear behind Liu Xingchang, unleashing his ace in an attempt to land a lethal strike.

"Ha!"

Liu Xingchang caught a glimpse of Ji Wu's shadow, let out a fierce cry, and the illusion dissipated. Simultaneously, Ji Wu's dagger was at his throat, the sword-wielding youth's blade at his chest, and Leng Baiyu's secret technique was ready to strike. A formidable presence erupted from behind Liu Xingchang.

Everyone around squinted their eyes as the synergy between Leng Baiyu and his two companions was seamless. What's more, Ji Wu had seemingly played her ace, casting an illusion that even Liu Xingchang, who had previously broken through such trickery with ease, momentarily lost his focus.

It appeared that Liu Xingchang's brilliant aura was about to be extinguished here and now.

Yet, the next moment, a chorus of gasps rolled like a tidal wave over the mountainside.

"How is this possible!"

Indeed, Leng Baiyu's dagger was at Liu Xingchang's throat, the sword-wielding youth's blade at his chest, and Leng Baiyu's own sword had struck Liu Xingchang's back with force.

However, Liu Xingchang was wounded, but astonishingly, not one of the three weapons could penetrate his body!

The sharp dagger and sword seemed only to graze the surface of Liu Xingchang's skin, utterly failing to reach bone or organ.

How could anyone possess such formidable physical defenses?

Seeing Ji Wu's incredulous look, Liu Xingchang offered a slight smile and said, "Your illusion is quite impressive, but your power is far too weak to fool me. My moment of distraction wasn't due to your skills, but rather my deep preoccupation with that particular figure."

Without further ado, Liu Xingchang's expression turned icy as he crushed Ji Wu's throat with a punch and ran his sword through the equally astonished sword-wielding youth's heart. He then turned to face Leng Baiyu.

Liu Xingchang asked in a calm tone, "Will you take your own life, or shall I do it for you?"

Leng Baiyu, shaking all over, suddenly fell to his knees, pleading, "Could you spare me?"

For Leng Baiyu, the crown prince of the Bai Kingdom, to beg so shamelessly was a testament to his ruthless ambition.

Such individuals possess the strongest will to survive but are also the most dangerous.

Another might have scorned Leng Baiyu and spared him, but not Liu Xingchang.

Since his rebirth, Liu Xingchang's perspective on certain matters had radically transformed.

He was determined not to give Leng Baiyu another opportunity to ambush him.

Yet, Liu Xingchang was curious about one detail and inquired, "I'm wondering, why does everyone else seem to appear randomly at various points within the formation, while the five of you managed to regroup so quickly?"

Leng Baiyu immediately countered, "If I answer your question, will you spare my life?"

Liu Xingchang responded, "Yes."

Leng Baiyu, still doubtful, pressed, "Truly?"

Liu Xingchang affirmed, "A person stands by their word. If I've said it, then it's the truth."

Overjoyed, Leng Baiyu eagerly revealed, "Our team from Bai Kingdom has been competing here for several years and has gained substantial experience. Therefore, before arriving, we invested heavily in five middle-grade spirit artifacts—the Breathing Order Talismans."

Liu Xingchang nodded, understanding, "I see."

The Breathing Order Talismans could be bound by blood and linked together. Once connected, the five talismans allowed them to immediately pinpoint each other's locations upon entering the formation.

Leng Baiyu tentatively asked, "So... may I leave now?"

Liu Xingchang instructed, "Hold on a moment."

Leng Baiyu, now terrified, protested, "But you promised not to kill me!"

Liu Xingchang clarified, "Indeed, I said I wouldn't kill you, but I never mentioned leaving you unharmed."

As his words fell, Liu Xingchang's sword flashed, and Leng Baiyu's legs were severed.

Leng Baiyu's screams echoed through the heavens. Although injuries sustained within the formation would heal upon exiting, the agony experienced inside was undeniably real.

What's more, with Leng Baiyu now crippled by Liu Xingchang, would the onlookers eager for an easy victory pass up such a prime opportunity?