C2620 Corpse!
C2620 Corpse!
From a distance, he could see a formation blocking the path near the mountainside. The barrier was strong, indicating that it was likely the core of this area. Above, the cloud cover obscured any view of what lay beyond.
There were still some demonic beasts on the ground, but they seemed uninterested in engaging with Jiang Fann. They ran quickly, making it difficult to catch them without a lengthy chase. Deciding not to waste time, he flew straight to the barrier, intending to pass through it first. It might be this barrier that was blocking the presence of Wan Chengfeng and his companion.
After about ten minutes, Jiang Fann reached the mountainside and looked upward. The clouds blocked his view, and the barrier's power kept him at bay. Sensing the spiritual strength of the barrier, he realized it was different from the formation below and not something set up temporarily. It was dense and not easy to penetrate.
Lin Zhan reminded, "Even with the Divine Blade, breaking this formation quickly is nearly impossible for Xiao Mo. It might even cause other issues. This formation wasn't crafted by that spirit; it was likely set up by a significant figure from the past."
Jiang Fann wasted no time and began assimilating the spiritual energy. However, he still summoned Xiao Mo for protection, as they were deep in enemy territory and couldn't afford any carelessness. Jiang Fann wouldn't underestimate anything in this forbidden zone.
Inside the barrier, Lin Zhan sensed the changes in the spiritual energy. Fortunately, the energy wasn't complex, just incredibly strong. Assimilating it wasn't difficult for Jiang Fann, but it would take some time.
Soon, Lin Zhan's voice echoed through the formation, audible even to Xiao Mo. "The forces are gathering. Protect the Young Master."
Xiao Mo nodded. "Leave it to me. Master, focus on assimilating the energy."
Lin Zhan withdrew, unable to withstand the onslaught of those forces. Xiao Mo shielded Jiang Fann, her spiritual defense barely affected by the explosion. In terms of defense, Gu Xie couldn't compare to her.
But just as Jiang Fann had assimilated half of the spiritual energy, the formation's energy suddenly shifted, transforming completely without losing any defensive strength. This abrupt change rendered Jiang Fann's efforts futile.
Jiang Fann was well aware that this was a deliberate manipulation. The spirit was clearly watching the situation here, not giving him a chance to assimilate spiritual strength. Just then, a young man's voice came from the clouds.
"Don't think you can cause trouble just because you brought a top-level cultivator here. Your friend's body is mine now. I'll seal this area, and when I reopen it, it'll be time to come for your life."
While fending off explosions, Xiao Mo asked Jiang Fann, "Master, should I give it a try? Let me use the God-Slaying Blade again."
She turned to look at Jiang Fann, noticing his furrowed brow and rare flash of anger in his eyes. Seeing no response from him, she refrained from asking further, waiting for his next command.
At that moment, a small cauldron appeared beside Jiang Fann, releasing spiritual strength and taking Xiao Mo inside with him. It was the Star River Cauldron.
Jiang Fann's voice echoed nearby, cold and detached. "He knows too much about my methods. Find him and eliminate him..."
"Leave it to me!"
Jiang Fann wasted no time, directly communicating with the spirit of the Star River Cauldron and infusing it with spiritual strength. They transformed into light, shooting toward the barrier halfway up the mountain.
The seemingly solid barrier offered no resistance as the Star River Cauldron passed through it. When Jiang Fann reappeared, it wasn't just Xiao Mo with him; Gu Xie had also been summoned. Jiang Fann was filled with murderous intent, determined not to give this guy any chance, as the recent seal made it clear that the opponent intended to eliminate him.
The three of them charged into the clouds, with Xiaomo leading the way. She was clearly confident in her abilities. Gu Xie stayed by Jiang Fann's side, not in a hurry to show off; she just wanted to protect him.
Amidst the clouds, a palace appeared in Jiang Fann's view. "This should be it," he thought.
From a distance, Xiaomo had already reached the palace and was attempting to break in through the front door. The palace was protected by a barrier, its patterns glowing in various colors, and the gathered energy strengthened its defenses. Despite Xiaomo's repeated attacks, she couldn't break through, indicating the barrier's strength.
No one stopped Jiang Fann, and soon he and Gu Xie joined Xiaomo, looking toward the palace entrance. The door was wide open, revealing everything inside.
Wan Xin was crying, desperately pounding on the barrier that trapped her. In the center of the hall, Wan Chengfeng floated mid-air, unresponsive. A young man in black hovered above him, extracting a humanoid form of energy from Wan Chengfeng's body. With his knowledge of evil arts, Jiang Fann immediately recognized it as Wan Chengfeng's soul.
Upon seeing Jiang Fann, Wan Xin quickly stood up and shouted, "Jiang Fann, save my uncle!"
At this moment, the young man in black was already very close to overtaking Wan Chengfeng's physical form. With the array inside the grand hall aiding him, he moved much faster than before, just a step away from succeeding.
Just then, Jiang Fann summoned the Universe Furnace once more, knowing he had no time to waste. Bringing two others with him into the furnace, they flew directly through the barrier toward Wan Chengfeng.
Suddenly, a figure appeared and struck the flying Universe Furnace, sending it spiraling away. The immense impact left Jiang Fann and his companions inside the furnace shocked.
The three emerged inside the hall, and Jiang Fann, not bothering with the minor damage to the furnace, quickly stored it away. Between them and the possessed Wan Chengfeng stood a figure, empowered by the array, exuding an overwhelming aura of authority and terrifying strength.
Xiao Mo spoke in a low voice, "Heavenly Realm!"
Jiang Fann could never have imagined that a Heavenly Realm expert would appear here. The speed and power of the previous strike were astonishing.
Xiao Yu's voice suddenly rang out, clearly heard by all three. "If he had such a powerful protector, why would he waste so much time with us? Look closely!"
Gu Xie seemed to notice something, his eyes widening. "A corpse!"
With Gu Xie's reminder, Jiang Fann also realized the truth. Though the figure's aura was terrifying, its eyes were closed, and its expression was peaceful, devoid of any emotion.
The spiritual energy surrounding the hall was clearly enhanced by the array within, and Jiang Fann quickly realized the identity of the body—it must have been the one from the coffin in the mortal realm, somehow brought here by the spirit. The spirit’s intentions were obvious: to guard this place and assist in the spirit’s possession, ultimately aiding itself.
Xiao Mo steadied herself and spoke, "I'll handle this body. I should be able to manage it. You take care of the other side."
With that, she charged at the body without hesitation. Despite its formidable physical strength, it wasn't a practitioner and couldn't use any techniques, relying solely on the array for movement.
The two figures clashed instantly. To Jiang Fann’s surprise, the body, even without spiritual cultivation, was able to overpower Xiao Mo with sheer physical might. Her attacks were partially deflected by the array, and the rest barely affected the body.
In contrast, the body exuded an unstoppable force, its movements seemingly channeling the power of the heavens. Xiao Mo’s abilities couldn't be fully unleashed against it, illustrating the absolute suppression of a higher realm.
Still, Xiao Mo managed to hold her ground for the moment, not succumbing immediately.
Jiang Fann and Gu Xie wasted no time, charging from another direction toward Wan Chengfeng.
Wan Chengfeng's breathing had become very weak, and the young man was already halfway submerged. Wan Chengfeng's clothes were changing, and his aura was shifting as well.
Once again, a barrier appeared to block the two of them. Gu Xie decided to forcefully break through, gripping his bone staff tightly. A golden bone sword materialized, striking the barrier.
The bone sword pierced the barrier, but unfortunately, the opening wasn't enough for them to break through.
Suddenly, the unconscious Wan Chengfeng spoke, but his voice had changed, now resembling that of the spirit's.
"It's too late! You didn't expect me to extract my own body, did you? But it's all worth it. I can rebuild myself and reach even greater heights. I'm very satisfied with this body. Soon, I'll clear you all out of this restricted area. No matter how many tricks you have, they won't work, hahaha..."
Gu Xie didn't stop. She conjured three more bone swords in quick succession, slicing a gap in the barrier. She charged through, now just a step away from Wan Chengfeng!
At that moment, the spirit forced out of Wan Chengfeng's body became extremely unstable. Meanwhile, the physical form of Wan Chengfeng unleashed a force aimed directly at the spirit. If it hit, the spirit would be utterly destroyed, with no chance of recovery.
Just as the force was about to strike Wan Chengfeng, a golden light appeared, blocking the attack.
Suddenly, golden light wrapped around Wan Chengfeng's spirit, a power originating from Gu Xie. At that moment, Wan Chengfeng, floating in mid-air, slowly opened his eyes, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth, clearly in high spirits.
Despite failing to crush Wan Chengfeng's spirit, he wasn't angry. Instead, he cast a wicked grin in Jiang Fann's direction. "The takeover is complete. This body is mine now. You were just a step too late. But don't worry, I'll personally take care of you with this body sooner or later."
He glanced at his hands, excitement evident in his voice. "All those years absorbing the true blood of this clan weren't in vain. A successor with such strong potential has delivered themselves right to me!"