A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 467 Battle
The dark waters of the Ink Pool were tainted by the poison, becoming even darker. At the same time, multicolored poisonous gases rose into the air, which quickly evaporated when exposed to the sunlight. In the blink of an eye, the entire Ink Pool was shrouded in poisonous gas, and Master Ban, who was hiding in the Ink Core Chamber, immediately changed his expression.

"This Red Serpent actually managed to use venomous snakes to counter me; I really miscalculated."

Master Ban's heart sank. Although the Ink Core Chamber was incredibly sturdy, it could not defend against the invasion of this poisonous gas. Now he could only hope that the Snow Maiden could take action to resolve the situation.

"I'd like to see how you're going to break this technique this time."

Chi Lian smiled alluringly and looked at the blue figure outside the Ink Core Chamber.

Seeing the poison gas spreading and realizing that her Lingbo Flying Ribbon was no longer enough to deal with it, Xue Nu's expression hardened. She took up her jade flute and a celestial melody instantly resounded throughout the cave, followed by a flurry of snowflakes. The surrounding mountain walls were instantly covered with ice crystals. Outside the Mohe secret chamber, a thin layer of solid ice covered the poison gas, freezing it before it could even get close. Then, the ice crystals moved toward Wei Zhuang and the others at a speed visible to the naked eye.

"The name 'Snow Swallow of the Northern Ridge' is well-deserved, but my Fire Charm Technique is not so simple."

Chi Lian watched the spreading ice crystals, snorted coldly, and her chain sword spun and flew out, shattering a layer of ice crystals. In a flash, she used the momentum to leap into the air, looking at the Snow Maiden opposite Mo Guichi. Suddenly, the chain sword straightened and shot out like a sharp arrow. The sound of it cutting through the air was still ringing in her ears when a deep blue ribbon came straight at her. The two weapons, one hard and one soft, made slight contact and then quickly returned to their respective owners' hands.

"Can she win?"

Bai Feng looked at Wei Zhuang and asked calmly.

Wei Zhuang remained silent, his eyes fixed on the Ink Core Chamber opposite him. Bai Feng scoffed at this and turned to look at Chi Lian, while Wu Shuang Gui stood obediently beside Wei Zhuang.

"Snow Maiden, one of the leaders of the Mo family, is skilled in music and dance and has a unique skill, but no one knows what it is to this day. It is said that all those who have witnessed this skill are dead."

Gongshu Chou watched with great interest the two beautiful women with different styles fighting in mid-air. One was fiery and the other was icy. These women were just as fierce as men when they fought, and their beautiful appearances concealed deadly intent.

Chi Lian flicked her sleeves, and venomous snakes shot towards Xue Nu. Seeing this, Xue Nu remained calm and composed. Her Lingbo Feisai transformed into several circles, and the venomous snakes were severed into several pieces as they passed through the circles. Before they even hit the ground, they turned into ice crystals and dissipated. At the same time, Chi Lian's chain sword suddenly attacked from the side. Xue Nu's protective weapon could not be returned in time, so she could only move her body and lightly land on the ground. This was the opportunity that Chi Lian had been waiting for.

Just after the Snow Woman landed on the ground, Master Ban and the others in the Ink Core Chamber were horrified to discover that a large, spotted snake, about ten feet long, had silently appeared behind her. Its blood-red mouth was wide open, ready to tear the Snow Woman apart. Around the large snake, countless smaller snakes surrounded it, densely packed, making it look extremely eerie.

"When did this giant snake appear...?"

Just as Master Ban was still in shock, Xue Nu also sensed something was wrong. Just as the giant snake's venomous mouth was about to fall, she flashed away from her original spot. In less than half a breath, the giant snake bit down on the spot where Xue Nu had been standing. With a hissing sound, the venom corroded several small holes in the bluestone slab. Finding that it had not bitten its target, the giant snake raised its head again, its vertical pupils emitting a turbid yellow light, staring at Xue Nu.

"Sister Snow Maiden, this snake of mine is called Netherworld. It is extremely ferocious and loves to devour living people, especially women as pure and yin as you. You are definitely the best sacrifice. If you are willing to surrender, I can let you go. Otherwise, your stunning beauty will... tsk tsk."

Chi Lian's actions enraged Master Ban. He had often heard of Chi Lian's ruthless methods, but seeing it today, he realized that the rumors were not exaggerated. How many living people must this Netherworld Serpent have devoured to have such a strong and ferocious aura?

Her suggestion to make Xue Nu surrender revealed her malicious intentions. If Xue Nu were to surrender, it would be a heavy blow to the Mo family. Although he believed that Xue Nu would not do such a thing, it would still be disgusting enough for the entire Mo family.

"Sister has quite a few beasts in her hands. This Netherworld Serpent is so ugly. It's true that like master, like beast. Beneath its beautiful appearance lies a filthy and vicious heart. Even the waters of the East Sea cannot cleanse your body."

The Snow Maiden retorted without hesitation, her hands moving swiftly. Her flying ribbons coiled around the Netherworld Serpent with a whoosh, freezing the serpent's body in an instant. However, Chi Lian remained unmoved, a fierce glint flashing in her eyes. The Netherworld Serpent suddenly doubled in size, shattering the flying ribbons and sending fragments raining down. The Snow Maiden seemed momentarily stunned. Chi Lian, thinking it a perfect opportunity, manipulated the Netherworld Serpent to coil towards the Snow Maiden. But at that moment, the rapidly moving Netherworld Serpent suddenly paused, and a blue ice crystal appeared from its tail, spreading rapidly throughout its body. In just a few breaths, the Netherworld Serpent was transformed into a large ice sculpture.

Chi Lian watched as the Netherworld Serpent shattered into countless ice crystals, a smile appearing on her face. She clapped her hands lightly and said, "Sister, your skills are superb. You were able to lay an ambush beforehand, which is truly remarkable. But killing just one serpent has already deprived you of your weapon. How are you going to deal with the next two?"

"what!"

Master Ban and the others were startled. From the shattered ice crystals, two more identical Netherworld Snakes sprang out, their fangs exposed, and lunged at the Snow Maiden. The Snow Maiden's expression changed slightly, and she hurriedly turned and dodged, constantly avoiding the Netherworld Snakes' attacks. For a moment, she found it difficult to escape.

Moreover, because the Snow Maiden's power had been lost, the ice layer defense that enveloped the Ink Core Chamber began to crumble under the corrosive effect of the poisonous gas. Soon, a small hole appeared, allowing the poisonous gas to enter and penetrate into the Ink Core Chamber.

"Hold your breath!"

When Master Ban saw the poisonous gas enter, his expression changed slightly. He quickly covered his mouth and nose. The others also took a deep breath and focused their energy into their dantian, starting to breathe with their internal energy. They should be fine in a short while.

"Hehe, the Ink Core Chamber, I'd like to see just how sturdy it is."

Seeing that Chi Lian had already stopped Xue Nu, Gongshu Chou immediately urged Po Tu San Lang to attack the Mo Hen secret chamber. However, Po Tu San Lang had only just reached the edge of the Mo Gui Pool when the ground suddenly sank. Before he could react, Po Tu San Lang sank directly into the ground. When he recovered, Po Tu San Lang had already disappeared.

"The technique of earth sinking, though common, is highly efficient."

Gongshu Chou felt slightly relieved when he saw the ground sinkhole appear. This ground sinkhole technique was originally designed for heavy weapons, especially the domineering mechanical techniques of the Gongshu family. Once the weight is exceeded, it will be activated. When they conquered the six kingdoms, this technique caused considerable damage to the Gongshu family.

"If the mechanical beasts don't work, then let the people take over. Today, I will definitely dismantle your Ink Core Chamber."

Gongshu Chou approached Wei Zhuang and said a few words. Wei Zhuang immediately nodded. Gongshu Chou then selected fifty soldiers, had them take antidote pills, and then approached the secret chamber.

"The mechanisms of the Mohists are really interesting. They only defend and never attack. I wonder what the founder of the Mohists was thinking."

Chi Lian glanced at the Snow Maiden, who was entangled by the Netherworld Serpent, and then shifted her gaze to the Ink Core Chamber, which was covered in poisonous gas.

"Besides the White Tiger, the Mo family also has another mechanical beast called the Azure Dragon. However, it is said that this beast is extremely powerful, enough to destroy the heavens and the earth. Therefore, it has been sealed away since it was created. After the other three mechanical beasts were made dozens of times, the Azure Dragon mechanical beast was never added." "Oh, is that so?"

Gongshu Chou knew such Mohist secrets in such detail, which truly reflects the saying of the military strategist.

"Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated."

Gongshu Chou breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that his soldiers had safely reached the Mo Gui Pond and that the sinkhole mechanism had not been activated. He waved his hand and gave the order. Just as the fifty soldiers were about to charge with their halberds, they saw circular holes appear in the ground around the Mo Gui Pond, from which gleaming spears shot out, piercing through the bodies of the fifty soldiers and killing them instantly.

"The Mo family's Hidden Dragon Mechanism Formation is so difficult to defend against, it's really interesting."

Gongshu Chou's progress encountered trouble, and Chi Lian's situation was also somewhat unfavorable. It was unclear whether Xue Nu had sensed something, but the movements of the two Netherworld Snakes had slowed down, and Xue Nu's eyes were fixed on their direction.

"A quarter of an hour, the last bit of time."

Wei Zhuang spoke calmly to Chi Lian, who was delighted upon hearing this. She replied with a "yes" and brandished her chain sword as she walked towards Xue Nu. Just as she was less than half a zhang away from Xue Nu, the two Netherworld Snakes disappeared without a trace, while Xue Nu's Lingbo Flying Ribbon remained perfectly wrapped around her arm.

"The Fire Charm Technique is truly extraordinary."

The Snow Maiden exclaimed in genuine admiration. This martial art was activated silently, and she herself did not know when she had been hit and fallen into an illusion. If it had not been for accidentally touching the deep pain hidden in her heart, she would not have woken up.

"Even if it's extraordinary, you still saw through it. Snow Maiden, your face is beautiful, I'll accept it."

As soon as Chi Lian finished speaking, she shook her chain sword into several circles and covered Xue Nu with extreme ruthlessness. Upon seeing this, Xue Nu hurriedly waved her flying ribbon, her sleeves fluttering like a fairy, scattering streams of light. The light was so intense that Chi Lian had to raise her hand to block. Just then, the flying ribbon struck from mid-air, aiming straight for Chi Lian's vitals.

Gongshu Chou looked at the corpse in front of him and began to ponder. The only way to break the Hidden Dragon Formation was by brute force, but using large mechanisms would trigger a sinkhole, which seemed to be an unsolvable problem.

"The only solution now is to ask Lord Wei Zhuang to personally take action and use his sword energy to cut open this Ink Rule Pool."

Gongshu Chou bowed to Wei Zhuang, who nodded in response. He then drew his sword and approached the Ink Standard Pool. Wei Zhuang's action caused Master Ban's expression to change drastically within the Ink Core Chamber.

The reputation of the Ghost Valley Twin Swords is legendary. It goes without saying how powerful the Sword Saint Gai Nie is, and his fellow disciple Wei Zhuangding is not much different. The Hidden Dragon Formation may not be able to stop him.

"Honeycomb Formation!"

At Master Ban's command, the sound of machinery blared from the high walls surrounding the Inkwell Pool, and powerful crossbows were poised to fire, their gleaming arrows sharp and ready to be released.

"interesting."

Wei Zhuang chuckled, and then a dark red sword aura slashed down, causing the Inkwell Pool to churn violently. Cracks of equal depth appeared on the ground, and the fifty corpses were thrown into the pool with a splash, turning into wisps of white smoke, adding to the ferocity of the attack.

"Oh no, the Ink Core!"

When Master Ban saw the cracked Ink Core Key after the Hidden Dragon Formation was destroyed and the Beehive Formation could not be activated, his expression changed drastically. Just as he was about to take the Ink Core Key, he saw a black shadow flash past behind him, followed by a cry of surprise. When he woke up, he saw Xiao Gao, Xue Nu, Da Tie Chui, and Duanmu Rong leading a group of Mo family disciples to block Wei Zhuang and the others.

"You can cure the poison of a thousand nights, your reputation as a medical immortal is well-deserved, but it's just a drop in the ocean. How many Mohist disciples can you save in the limited time you have?"

Chi Lian chuckled and continued, looking at the ugly face opposite her: "The Ink Core Key has been lost, and your Mo family's reliance has been completely destroyed. What do you have left to fight us with? If you obediently admit defeat, you can avoid physical pain. Otherwise, you will only face death."

Chi Lian glanced at Gongshu Chou, who was studying the ink core, and said calmly, "Mr. Gongshu, does the Prime Minister have any request regarding whether the Mo family members live or die?"

"As long as the identity is confirmed, it doesn't matter whether they live or die. Each important figure in the Mo family is worth a fortune. This is no small amount of wealth."

Gongshu Chou was fiddling with the ink core while answering Chi Lian. Their conversation enraged Da Tiechui, who cursed "bastard" and was about to step forward when Gao Jianli stopped him.

"You didn't get enough of the last battle, so don't disappoint me this time, Gao Jianli."

Bai Feng lightly touched the ground with her toes, stood with her arms crossed, and stopped half a zhang away from Gao Jianli. Chi Lian walked to the opposite side of Xue Nu, wielding her chain sword with a resounding clang. As for Wushuang Gui, unsurprisingly, he faced off against Da Tiechui. In this way, all three top experts in the Mechanized City were tied up, leaving only Duanmu Rong. Although she had extraordinary medical skills, her internal strength was shallow, and facing Wei Zhuang would be suicide.

On the other hand, besides top experts like Wei Zhuang, the Quicksand side also has the omnipresent Ink Jade Qilin. This person just suddenly attacked Master Ban, which led to the breach of the Ink Core Chamber. Now, his whereabouts are unknown, and everyone needs to be vigilant at all times.

"Hmm, we're back to square one. In the end, Gai Nie still has to make a move?"

Gu Xu looked at the six people who were already fighting, then shifted his gaze to Wei Zhuang, who was resting with his eyes closed. The latter seemed to have sensed something, and his hand holding the sword moved slightly. Gu Xu chuckled when he saw this. Just then, a black shadow suddenly rushed in. Upon closer inspection, it was Yin Fu, who had been missing for a long time. Yin Fu rushed into the arena and, without waiting for Wei Zhuang to speak, went straight for Duanmu Rong.

"Miss Rong, be careful!"

Master Ban exclaimed in surprise. Duanmu Rong looked at the approaching Yin Fu and flicked her silver needles, which whistled through the air. Yin Fu smiled sinisterly, activated his Bat Blood Technique, and instantly turned his entire body red. With a flick of his five fingers, he knocked the silver needles away.

(End of this chapter)