stonecrandall Chapter 635 Eliminate the Weeds at the Root
Chapter 635 Eliminate the Weeds at the Root
"This Yao Bin is most skilled at setting up formations; trapping formations and killing formations are second nature to him!"
Chu Yang smiled slightly, "Although Master Yu Ding has profound cultivation, he is not very proficient in formations. This match is going to be interesting."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Gongming raised an eyebrow, pondered for a moment, and said, "I've also heard a bit about Yao Bin. He is indeed a genius in formations, but his cultivation is still shallow, far inferior to that of True Person Yu Ding. However, if he were to set up a formation, then it would be hard to say."
A glint of light flashed in his eyes, clearly indicating that he was also looking forward to the competition.
Only Zhao Gongming could say that Yao Bin's cultivation was still shallow. Yao Bin, who had reached the late stage of Golden Immortal, could definitely be considered among the top 500 disciples of the Jie Sect!
"Junior Brother Xiaolei, your array formation skills are superb. If I am unable to handle the situation later, I hope you will lend a hand!"
After thinking for a moment, Zhao Gongming solemnly addressed Chu Yang.
In this arena battle, magical weapons are indiscriminate, and casualties are inevitable.
Although he was protected by the Sea-Stabilizing Pearl and possessed formidable strength, with so many disciples fighting at the same time, it was difficult for him to take care of everyone.
Chu Yang nodded slightly and said calmly, "Don't worry, Senior Brother. Master bestowed upon me the Immortal Slaughtering Sword Formation. I will certainly take action when the time is right."
With a command from Daoist Duobao, the arena battle officially began.
In the square, eight hundred arenas rose up simultaneously, their lights flashing and shimmering.
The first few matches were all battles between disciples of the Jie Sect. These disciples were all highly skilled and used all their magical treasures. For a time, the square was filled with spiritual light and the shouts of battle were deafening.
A burly man wielding two hammers roared at a skinny Taoist priest opposite him, "Hey kid, take this!"
The double hammers, accompanied by a whistling sound, slammed down hard on the Taoist priest.
The Taoist priest moved nimbly, easily dodging the attack. He muttered incantations and waved his whisk. Instantly, countless vines appeared out of thin air, binding the burly man tightly.
On the other side, a disciple dressed in a fiery red Taoist robe, wielding a long sword with flames burning on its blade, was locked in a fierce and evenly matched battle with his opponent.
Sword light and blade shadows clashed, sparks flew, as if the entire arena was about to be set ablaze.
Chu Yang and Zhao Gongming stood aside, watching the competition with great interest.
"These little guys are quite capable!"
Zhao Gongming laughed and said, "It seems that our Jie Sect is full of talented people, and we are sure to shine brightly in the future!"
Chu Yang shook his head and said, "Senior brother, these are just minor skirmishes. The real test is yet to come. When the Great Tribulation arrives, that will be the true test of their strength."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Gongming's smile gradually faded, and a hint of worry flashed in his eyes.
The Great Calamity is ordained by Heaven, and no one can change it.
At that time, who knows how many more disciples of the Jie Sect will perish...
The contest between Taiyi Zhenren and Huo Lingzi was scheduled for the fifth match.
Huo Lingzi wore a fiery red Taoist robe and held a Blazing Blade. Flames swirled around the blade, radiating scorching heat. His cultivation level was at the mid-stage of Taiyi Sword Immortal. With the spiritual treasure in his hand and the cultivation technique he practiced, he could even fight against a late-stage Taiyi Golden Immortal.
He glanced sideways at Taiyi Zhenren, his eyes showing little fear.
"Taiyi, I've heard your weapon-forging skills are quite good. Today, let me see your abilities. Don't get burned to ashes by my Blazing Blade!"
Taiyi Zhenren remained unfazed, lightly flicking his whisk, and said calmly, "Huolingzi, don't be so arrogant. Today I'll show you that the disciples of the Chan Sect are not to be trifled with!"
No sooner had he finished speaking than Huo Lingzi made his move.
With a wave of his Blazing Blade, streaks of fiery blade energy roared and lunged at Taiyi Zhenren like fire dragons.
Taiyi Zhenren remained calm and unhurried, summoning the Nine Dragons Divine Fire Cover to block all the fiery blade energy.
The Nine Dragons Divine Fire Cover was forged from nine fire dragons and is specifically designed to counter fire magic. Although Fire Spirit's Blazing Blade is powerful, it cannot harm it.
"Hmph, a mere trick!"
Huo Lingzi snorted coldly, and the blazing blade in his hand shone even brighter. A huge flaming blade aura, like a fire phoenix, spread its wings and flew straight towards Taiyi Zhenren.
Upon seeing this, a glint of light flashed in Taiyi Zhenren's eyes. He flicked his whisk, and a golden light shot out, transforming into a golden dragon that entangled with the fire phoenix.
The golden dragon and the fire phoenix clashed fiercely in the air, producing deafening roars, and for a time, it was difficult to determine the victor.
In the sky, the roars of dragons and the cries of phoenixes echoed through the clouds.
Flaming blade energy intertwined with golden light, illuminating the sky in a dazzling display.
With his eyes and ears open, Taiyi Zhenren seized an opportunity, chanted incantations, and unleashed a beam of golden light.
The golden light swelled in the wind, transforming into a gleaming golden ring—his magic weapon, the Universe Ring!
The Universe Ring, accompanied by a whistling sound, slammed down on Huo Lingzi.
Huo Lingzi was fully activating the Blazing Blade to fight against the Golden Dragon, never expecting that Taiyi Zhenren had such a trick up his sleeve.
He tried to dodge, but it was too late.
"Bang!"
With a muffled thud, the Qiankun Ring slammed solidly into Huo Lingzi's head.
Huo Lingzi screamed in agony, spitting out blood as he flew backward like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily onto the arena.
The flaming blade in his hand flew out and fell to the ground, whereupon the flames went out.
Master Taiyi withdrew his Qiankun Ring, flicked his whisk, and bowed to Daoist Duobao, saying, "You flatter me!"
Daoist Duobao's face turned ashen, a flash of anger crossing his eyes, but due to his status, he could not retaliate. He could only suppress his anger and announce, "In this round, the Chan Sect's Taiyi Zhenren wins!"
After winning the first match, Taiyi Zhenren did not linger. He floated back to where the Chan Sect disciples were, sat cross-legged, and closed his eyes to rest.
On the other side, the disciples of the Jie Sect remained silent, their morale at its lowest point.
"That Master Taiyi is too ruthless!"
"Exactly, they show absolutely no mercy!"
"Alas, Senior Brother Huo Lingzi was careless and actually fell for his trick!"
There was much discussion, but it was all to no avail.
Seeing this, Chu Yang couldn't help but shake his head. This Huo Lingzi was far too arrogant, being defeated so easily by Taiyi Zhenren.
Zhao Gongming also sighed and said, "Junior brother, it seems that the disciples of the Chan Sect are not all ordinary people."
Chu Yang smiled faintly and said, "Senior brother, this is just the beginning. The real show is yet to come."
After several more battles, it was the match between Master Yuding and Yao Bin, a disciple of the Jie Sect.
Yao Bin was short in stature and had a sinister face, looking like a rat hiding in a ditch. He held several battle flags in his hand, making him seem somewhat mysterious and unpredictable.
Master Yu Ding dared not be careless. He summoned the Apricot Yellow Banner to protect himself and quietly watched Yao Bin, a hint of vigilance flashing in his eyes.
Yao Bin gave a sinister smile, revealing a set of yellow teeth, and said, "Yu Ding, today is your death day!"
As he spoke, he waved the array flag in his hand, and mysterious runes flew out from the flag and merged into the void.
In an instant, a thick fog rose up on the arena, obscuring the sky and making it impossible to see anything.
Yu Ding Zhenren was enveloped in mist, and his divine sense was severely restricted, making it impossible for him to explore his surroundings.
He was startled, realizing he had fallen into Yao Bin's formation.
"Hahaha, Yu Ding, you're dead!" Yao Bin's voice came from the mist, tinged with smugness.
Master Yu Ding snorted coldly, flicked his whisk, and a beam of golden light shot out, attempting to break through the mist.
However, the golden light that pierced into the mist vanished without a trace, like a clay ox sinking into the sea.
Master Yu Ding's expression changed; this formation was incredibly powerful!
Just then, a withered hand suddenly reached out from the mist and grabbed at Jade Cauldron Immortal's neck.
Master Yu Ding reacted quickly, dodging to the side and striking the hand with his whisk.
"what!"
A scream rang out, and the hand quickly retracted.
Master Yu Ding felt a chill run down his spine. This Yao Bin was indeed treacherous and cunning, actually launching a sneak attack on him in the mist.
He dared not be careless again, remaining fully alert and vigilant about everything around him.
Suddenly, a sinister laugh echoed from within the mist: "Hehehe, Yu Ding, you can't escape!"
Immediately afterwards, countless wails and howls of ghosts came from the mist, sending chills down one's spine.
Jade Cauldron Immortal's heart sank; this formation could actually conjure ghosts and monsters!
He took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down. He knew that he absolutely could not panic at this moment.
He waved his whisk, and beams of golden light shot out, scattering the surrounding ghosts and monsters.
However, these ghosts seemed endless, constantly emerging from the mist.
Master Yu Ding gradually felt some strain, and his magical power was being rapidly depleted.
Just then, he suddenly felt something wrap around his legs.
He looked down and saw that black vines had somehow wrapped around his legs and were tightening around them.
"What the hell is this?" Master Yu Ding was startled and quickly waved his whisk, trying to cut off the vines.
However, these vines were exceptionally tough, and his whisk was unable to cut them.
Moreover, the vines were tightening continuously, as if trying to strangle him to death.
Master Yu Ding's expression changed drastically. He felt his breathing becoming increasingly difficult, and his vision began to darken.
At the same time, countless sharp sword energies burst forth from the mist, pouring down on Jade Cauldron Immortal like a storm.
Master Yu Ding was struggling to stay afloat, facing numerous perilous situations.
The vines tightened their grip, almost strangling him.
Large beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, and his face turned pale.
Upon seeing this, Chu Yang couldn't help but clap his hands and laugh loudly: "Hahaha, this Yao Bin is really something, actually managing to force Yu Ding into this predicament!"
Zhao Gongming stroked his beard, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes: "This formation is indeed profound; Yu Ding is likely to suffer some trouble."
Just then, Yao Bin's figure appeared in the mist like a ghost, holding a dagger that gleamed with cold light, and thrust it straight at Yu Ding Zhenren's back.
"Die, Yu Ding!" Yao Bin's sinister voice echoed in the mist.
Zhao Gongming, who was in the distance, was also holding the Dinghai Pearl, ready to activate it at any time in order to save Yu Ding Zhenren.
Inside Biyou Palace, even the usually expressionless Primordial Sage's eyelids twitched involuntarily.
If Yu Ding Zhenren, one of only two participants in the Jiejiao Grand Competition, were to be defeated by a Jiejiao disciple in the first battle, he would lose all face.
Tongtian, standing to the side, nodded with delight, looking at Yao Bin on the arena with great admiration.
"Indeed, this young man is quite outstanding in the art of formations. Our Jie Sect disciples have achieved considerable success in formations, often defeating stronger opponents with weaker ones!"
Returning our attention to the arena, at the critical moment, Master Yu Ding flashed his figure, barely dodging the fatal blow.
The dagger grazed his back, sending a chill through him.
"Hmph, a mere trick!"
Master Yu Ding snorted coldly, and the apricot-yellow flag shone brightly, instantly dispelling the surrounding mist.
It turns out that he had been secretly accumulating power all along. The protection of the apricot yellow flag prevented him from being greatly affected by the formation. His previous demeanor was all a disguise!
Upon seeing this, Yao Bin's expression changed drastically.
He never expected that Master Yuding would be able to break through his formation so easily.
"You...you actually possess...a top-grade innate spiritual treasure, the Central Earth-Yellow Banner!"
Yao Bin looked at Master Yu Ding in horror, his eyes filled with disbelief.
With this top-grade innate spiritual treasure, he simply couldn't break through the opponent's defenses. It could be said that Jade Cauldron True Man was in an invincible position from the very beginning!
Master Yu Ding sneered, and with a flick of his whisk, beams of golden light shot toward Yao Bin like sharp swords.
Yao Bin hurriedly brandished his dagger to defend himself, but he was no match for the fierce attack.
"Ah!" Yao Bin screamed as he was struck by the golden light, blood splattering everywhere.
Master Yu Ding pressed his advantage, his whisk transforming into a golden light that sent Yao Bin flying. Yao Bin crashed to the ground, spitting blood and barely clinging to life.
"Is that all you've got? You dare to show off your amateur skills in front of me?"
Master Yu Ding curled his lip in disdain, then summoned the Immortal-Slaying Sword and was about to slash fiercely at Yao Bin.
Just as the Immortal-Slaying Sword was about to strike Yao Bin, a bead appeared just in time.
"clang!"
With a loud bang, the Immortal-Slaying Sword was blocked by the light emitted from the bead.
Zhao Gongming retrieved the Sea-Stabilizing Pearl and landed steadily on the arena, blocking the dying Yao Bin.
His thick brows furrowed, and his tone was heavy: "Yu Ding, the competition should have ended there; why resort to such ruthless tactics?"
Master Yu Ding smiled contemptuously, the Immortal-Slaying Sword in his hand flashing: "Senior Brother Zhao Gongming, are you trying to cheat on me? Yao Bin's skills are inferior, he lost, and that's it. Am I supposed to spare his life so he can come back for revenge later? Surely you understand the principle of eliminating the root of the problem? Besides, he hasn't admitted defeat on the stage yet, of course I must ensure an absolute victory!"
Zhao Gongming's face darkened, a flash of anger crossing his eyes: "Senior Brother Yuding, you've gone too far. Yao Bin has already been defeated and is incapacitated. If you insist on killing him, you'll have to get past me first!"
As he spoke, twenty-four Sea-Stabilizing Pearls appeared in his hand, shining brightly and radiating a powerful aura.
A cold glint flashed in Yu Ding Zhenren's eyes. Just as he was about to speak, Duobao Daoren also flew over and landed beside Zhao Gongming.
Daoist Duobao stared coldly at Master Yuding: "Yuding, Yao Bin has already lost. I concede defeat on his behalf!"
Master Yu Ding's face was gloomy. He looked around and saw many disciples of the Jie Sect glaring at him angrily, clearly very dissatisfied with his attempt to kill Yao Bin.
He cursed inwardly, but knew it was too late to make a move. He snorted coldly and said, "Since my two senior brothers have pleaded for him, I'll spare his life. However, if I encounter him again, I won't be so lucky!"
Having said that, Master Yuding turned and left, leaving only Zhao Gongming and Daoist Duobao behind.
Zhao Gongming rushed forward to check Yao Bin's injuries. Seeing that he was barely breathing, he quickly took out some medicine and gave it to him. (End of Chapter)