Helping each other with countless me.

Chapter 570 Combat
The corner of the abandoned warehouse was dimly lit.

Li Zhongren wasn't pointing to the martial arts manual, but rather to a few dull animal bones.

The bones of a Yin-spirit beast, and a piece of Five-Element Stone.

The old man squinted as he answered.

The other party possessed the aura of a third-level Qi Refining cultivator, not some insignificant second-level Qi Refining ant, so it was naturally worth his time to speak.

Li Zhongren nodded, then looked away as if it were just a casual glance. Instead, he picked up a piece of metal with broken runes engraved on it, weighed it in his hand, and spoke with a hint of pickiness and nonchalance.

"Yin Sha Iron? It has too many impurities, and the tempering method is also rough. It's a pity to waste such a small amount of material."

The old man raised his head, his cloudy eyes scanning Li Zhongren in the shadows, his voice dry as if rubbing tree bark.

"Young man, you have a good eye. But these days, it's good enough to find something with a menacing aura."

Li Zhongren smiled noncommittally, casually tossing the metal piece back into place, as if he had lost interest.

He seemingly unintentionally touched the black jade slip with his toe and asked.

"Old man, is this all you have here... just scraps?"

"Look at what you're saying."

The old man seemed somewhat displeased.

"My 'Marrow-Corroding Poison Scripture' is not one of those common stuff. It's a genuine treasure passed down from the ancient demonic sect. When practiced to its fullest extent, it can kill without leaving a trace, corrode bones and destroy souls. Even a Foundation Establishment cultivator can fall victim to it if they're not careful. As for the backlash, hehe, when you're playing the evil cultivation path, do you care about that? If you don't have the ability to control it, that's your problem, not the technique's problem."

Upon hearing this, Li Zhongren's face revealed a suitable expression of "interest" but also "trouble." He nodded slightly but did not pick up the jade slip. Instead, he seemed to have lost interest in the conversation, and his gaze began to wander, as if searching for a more worthy target. He then gave a perfunctory reply.

"It sounds alright, but the malevolent energy is too strong and doesn't quite suit my style. If you have any good stuff, remember to save some for me."

After saying that, he seemed genuinely unconcerned and turned to leave.

This act completely dispelled the old man's doubts. Truly powerful cultivators who seek unorthodox shortcuts are often arrogant and fickle.

"Of course. You can come again in a few days, young man. I'll give you that good book to take a look. If it's not good enough, the price won't be so attractive."

"No problem, then I'll trouble you, sir. Money is no problem."

Li Zhongren lied without blushing or panting.

"Woo——!!"

A sharp, piercing wail, unlike any ordinary police siren, suddenly rang out, instantly shattering the suppressed whispers within the warehouse!

The sound contained a special spiritual energy fluctuation, which was nothing short of a battle horn for all extraordinary beings!

"Secret Service! Everyone, freeze!"

"Put down what you're holding and give up the fight!"

Several chilling shouts rang out simultaneously from several entrances to the warehouse! Figures that had been lying in ambush rushed in like ghosts, their spiritual energy flashing instantly, and they accurately targeted several stall owners who looked the most threatening or were trading contraband.

The Secret Service is an agency specifically responsible for handling extraordinary events, similar to the role of the police.

In fact, Li Zhongren had already discovered them.

He deliberately chose to come today.

After all, I don't want to pay the money, but I want the things.

Then we can only rely on external forces, as for the explanation of the robbery.

He rejected it outright.

Li Zhongren knew very well that he was at the fourth level of Qi Refining, and his strength was very strong. In fact, with the support of his soul that had been around for hundreds of millions of years, he would be terrifyingly strong. But in the end, he was only at the Qi Refining stage. The restriction of the stage prevented him from fully releasing his power. Otherwise, this body could be reduced to ashes. He had barely survived and did not want to die.

Naturally, he wouldn't do something that would directly offend the black market.

The Secret Service agents stormed in.

In an instant, the black market descended into chaos.

Exclamations, curses, the sound of objects being overturned, and the muffled thuds of spiritual energy colliding were all mixed together.

Most of the low-level cultivators scurried around like headless flies, trying to find an exit or hide in the chaos.

A few ruthless individuals immediately engaged the special operations team members who rushed in, their quick thinking flashing through their minds.

The gaunt old man's expression changed drastically. He cursed and, almost instinctively, grabbed the black cloth spread on the ground, packed it up, turned around, and ran away.

It's now!

Li Zhongren had been waiting for this fleeting moment!
The old man's attention was completely drawn to the sudden blow and the recovery of the goods.

In Li Zhongren's deep eyes, it seemed as if billions of stars were being born and dying. An extremely subtle yet highly refined soul power, mixed with his own pure spiritual power, was like an invisible thread that precisely pierced through the chaotic spiritual energy flow and instantly caught the jade slip!

This isn't stealing a physical item; it's forcibly reading it remotely!
In the last instant before the old man rolled up the black cloth and the jade slip was covered, under the cover of the most intense fluctuations of the surrounding battle spiritual energy, Li Zhongren's immense and unparalleled soul power, like the most efficient scanner, forcefully broke through the insignificant protective seal on the surface of the jade slip in an almost savage manner. He instantly seized, copied, and imprinted all the information about the "Marrow-Corroding Poison Scripture" recorded inside into the depths of his soul like a whale swallowing its prey!
The entire process was faster than thought could process, and it blended perfectly into the chaotic spiritual energy fluctuations of the environment without causing any additional energy anomalies.

The jade slip itself was completely undamaged, and the old man still managed to escape with it, as if it had never been touched.

Having obtained the item, Li Zhongren could have simply fled. However, he decided to help the old man out, otherwise, the old man would most likely not have been able to escape. Moreover, he had already left a trace on the jade slip, and by tracking him down afterward, he could obtain even better items.

As a result, the Qi Refining Level 4 spiritual power that he had been suppressing within his body suddenly erupted, and a powerful spiritual energy wave spread out from him, violently pushing aside several low-level cultivators who were panicking and running around!

"There's another expert!"

"Stop him!"

This sudden outburst immediately attracted the attention of the strongest player in the arena.

This is exactly the effect Li Zhongren wanted.

His figure moved like lightning, no longer concealing his speed. Like a heavy truck, he smashed through the wall and rushed out.
"Want to run?"

A clear, cold shout came from behind, accompanied by an incomparably sharp blade wind!
This is the leader of this operation, Liu Ruyan, the head of the First Field Operations Division of the Youzhou Special Operations Bureau!
She had been in complete control of the situation. Li Zhongren's sudden outburst and precise escape route immediately made her realize that he was no ordinary black market customer, but might even be an unexpected big fish. How could she let him go?
With a swift movement, her long, straight black hair flew wildly under the surge of spiritual pressure. The Tang sword "Nightingale" in her hand was already unsheathed, its blade wreathed in black flames that seemed to possess life, carrying a dual aura of corrosiveness and sharpness, aimed straight at Li Zhongren's back!

Without turning his head, Li Zhongren swung his hand back, unleashing a surge of powerful spiritual energy. It didn't form any kind of spell, but rather a simple and brutal spiritual energy impact, yet it was incredibly solid, barely managing to deflect the deadly blade.

"boom!"

The spiritual energy collided with the black flame blade energy, producing a dull bang.

Li Zhongren used the momentum to increase his speed by another three points and disappeared into the darkness.

"Keep an eye on this spot and wait for me!"

With a shout, Liu Ruyan didn't hesitate and transformed into a stream of black flames, giving chase!

The two moved at an astonishing speed, one after the other, darting through the abandoned factory buildings, towering pipes, and rusted steel frames. Each step they took covered dozens of meters, and soon they disappeared into the night.
Central Square of Youzhou City.

A huge holographic fountain changed colors to psychic music, neon lights flashed all around, and crowds thronged the area.

On a bench in a corner of the square, "Meiling'er," a popular live streamer under the Hehuan Sect, is holding up the latest psychic live streaming phone and interacting with her family in the live stream room with a charming smile.

She wore a light pink fringed short dress with a slightly antique feel and a very modern design, which perfectly outlined her graceful figure. Her eyes were naturally charming and captivating, but without being vulgar.

This is precisely the embodiment of the modern practice of the Hehuan Sect, subtly drawing attention and admiration, which is then transformed into resources for cultivation.

"Thank you 'Brother Sword' for the Spirit Rhinoceros Flying Car~ You're so generous!" Mei Ling'er said sweetly, making a heart shape with her hands towards the camera.

"Family, that's all for today's outdoor live stream. The night view of Youzhou City is beautiful, but Ling'er has to go back to cultivate now, otherwise Master will say I'm neglecting my duties~ Tomorrow at the same time, Ling'er will take you to visit a super~ unique spirit food restaurant!"

The live stream chat was scrolling by at breakneck speed...
【Huh? It's already ending? I haven't seen enough of Ling'er yet!】

[Let's broadcast it a little longer!]

[Ling'er looks even more beautiful today; the Hehuan Sect's cultivation methods are truly nourishing!]

Goodnight, my wife!

[Huh? What's that in the sky behind Ling'er? Are they setting off fireworks? There seems to be flashing light?]

The last few comments floated by sporadically, not attracting much attention.

Mei Ling'er smiled and prepared to conclude her remarks.
"It's not fireworks, it's probably some kind of psionic billboard being tested... huh?"

Before she could finish speaking, she subconsciously glanced at the night sky behind her, following the direction of the comments that had just been displayed.

That one glance froze her in her tracks as she was about to turn off the live stream!

In the distance, between two towering skyscrapers and above a huge billboard, two figures are colliding and separating at an astonishing speed!
A figure wreathed in striking black flames, a long sword in his hand slicing through the night sky, leaving behind a chilling arc of light!

The other figure was surrounded by dazzling spiritual energy like stars, and every movement brought up a huge wave of energy!
Even from a great distance, the intense spiritual energy fluctuations and the power of the battle were clearly transmitted through the high-magnification spiritual zoom lens of this expensive live-streaming phone!

Mei Ling'er's beautiful eyes widened instantly, her rosy lips parted slightly, and the professional sweet smile on her face was replaced by extreme surprise and excitement!

"Wait! Family! Don't go down yet!"

Her voice rose instantly, filled with unbelievable excitement.

"Look! Look behind me! In the sky! That's not a billboard! It's...it's a battle! A battle between high-level superhumans!"

She frantically adjusted the angle of her live-streaming phone, quickly pointing the camera at the two people engaged in fierce combat high in the distance, while simultaneously activating extreme zoom and enhanced spiritual energy fluctuation modes.

The relaxed atmosphere in the live stream room was instantly ignited!
[Holy crap?! Really?!]

Where is it? Let me see!

[That speed! That spiritual pressure! He's definitely a late-stage Qi Refining expert!]

[Black flames... Tang sword... that figure... could it be...?!]

[It's Director Liu! The most beautiful woman in Youzhou City, Liu Ruyan from the Special Operations Bureau's First Field Division!]

Who's the other one? So dazzling, I've never seen her before!

[Zoom in! Ling'er, zoom in! This live stream was totally worth it!]

The barrage of comments exploded like a tsunami, and the special effects of the gifts instantly filled the screen!

Mei Ling'er's heart pounded wildly because of this sudden and amazing live stream footage; the traffic was simply falling from the sky!

She immediately switched into professional mode, steadily holding her phone to track the battle situation in the air while quickly providing commentary in her sweet voice, which trembled slightly with excitement.

"Family members! Did you see that? It really is a duel between two super strong individuals! Right above the night sky of Youzhou City! One is Liu Ruyan, the Black Flame Blade Maiden, who is familiar to us from the Special Operations Bureau's First Field Division! The other... is of unknown identity, but judging from the power with which he manipulates spiritual energy, he is definitely a top expert among the fourth level of Qi Refining!"

She perfectly captured a mix of admiration, excitement, and a hint of fear in her expression, a genuine reaction that greatly stirred the emotions of the viewers in the live stream.

"Oh my god... they're so fast! Every collision is terrifying, but... but so cool!"

High in the sky, Liu Ruyan chased after him for a long time without success, and her surprise and doubt grew even stronger.

The opponent's speed, the refinement of his spiritual power, and his grasp of timing were all incredibly sophisticated, but the techniques he used seemed unusually "ancient," even... "crude," as if he possessed a treasure trove but didn't know how to use it.

"That's enough!" Liu Ruyan said coldly, deciding to stop testing her.

Her figure suddenly froze atop a giant holographic billboard, the moonlight and neon lights outlining her stunning silhouette.

He raised the "Nightingale" Tang sword high in his hand, and the black flames on the blade gathered wildly. They were no longer swirling, but rather condensed on the blade like a solid black fluid, emitting a terrifying aura of destruction and corrosion. The surrounding light seemed to be swallowed by the black flames!
"Secret Slash: Black Corrosion Feather Flow!"

With a sharp cry, she slashed down with her Tang sword! A massive blade of energy, condensed to its extreme and resembling a black phoenix feather, flew out from the blade, silent yet as fast as lightning. Wherever it passed, the air was corroded and annihilated, heading straight for Li Zhongren!

This attack locked onto the target's aura, leaving no room for evasion!

Li Zhongren felt the attack from behind that threatened his life, and finally stopped and turned around.

A starlight-like aura surged violently around him.

He really doesn't know any advanced magic.

But what he possesses is a terrifying understanding and control over the nature of energy, honed over millions of years, as well as a powerful soul far beyond his current level.

Faced with the terrifying sword energy that was enough to erode even a Foundation Establishment cultivator, Li Zhongren held his hands in front of him and frantically calculated and guided the energy with unprecedented speed!
Using his own pure Qi Refining Level 4 spiritual power as the core "lever" and his soul power as the "fulcrum," he forcefully pried and tamed the turbulent spiritual energy of heaven and earth in the vast surrounding space!
"Om-!"

The spiritual energy of heaven and earth within a radius of several hundred meters seemed to be manipulated by an invisible giant hand, frantically converging, compressing, and rotating between his hands! Forming a blazing sphere of light that grew brighter and more unstable, radiating terrifying energy fluctuations! The immense spiritual pressure generated by this process even caused the steel structure of the billboard beneath his feet to creak and twist!
Below, everyone who saw this scene through Mei Ling'er's live stream was stunned!

What is he doing?!

[Attracting external spiritual energy?! This isn't something only Foundation Establishment stage cultivators can do...]

[Forced activation of the fourth level of Qi Refining?! Has he gone mad?! Isn't he afraid of the backlash from the spiritual pressure turning him into an idiot?!]

This energy fluctuation...it's terrifying!

Liu Ruyan's pupils also contracted sharply, and her heart was filled with shock.

Just as the "Black Corrosion Feathers" were about to strike!

"go."

Li Zhongren calmly uttered a single word and then pushed his hands forward with a sudden burst of energy!
The blazing ball of light, which gathered terrifying spiritual energy from heaven and earth, shot out like a cannonball, striking the pitch-black phoenix feather blade energy head-on!
“Boom, boom, boom!!!”

The deafening roar seemed to tear the night sky apart!
Black and white, erosion and pure energy, collided and annihilated wildly in the air! The shockwave from the explosion spread out in a ring, blowing away and shattering billboards and helipad facilities on the surrounding buildings!
The blinding light caused everyone watching the live stream below to go blind instantly!
The stalemate lasted only a moment.

The next moment, the black phoenix feather blade energy was forcibly torn apart, devoured, and annihilated from the center by the pure and violent torrent of spiritual energy from heaven and earth!
The remaining torrent of spiritual energy slammed into Liu Ruyan, who was exhausted from unleashing her ultimate move!
In that instant, Liu Ruyan calmly sheathed the Nightingale, and all the black flames immediately enveloped her in a sphere.
"Bam—!"

She felt as if she had been hit head-on by a high-speed mountain. Her shield trembled violently, the black flames flickered erratically, and she was sent flying uncontrollably backward like a shooting star, crashing heavily into the skyscraper behind her!

"boom!"

The building's glass curtain wall shattered with a crash, and her body was embedded directly into the reinforced concrete wall, creating a spiderweb-like, human-shaped crater.

The black flame shield flickered a few times on her body before finally stabilizing, offsetting most of the impact and preventing her from suffering serious internal injuries. However, her blood and qi were churning, and her spiritual energy was disordered, making it difficult for her to move for a while.

After a long while, the black flames dissipated.

Liu Ruyan appeared to be unharmed as she emerged from the ruins, gazing at the top of the billboard in the distance.

The starlight had faded, and the mysterious figure had vanished without a trace, leaving only a devastated battlefield and the distant sound of urgent sirens.

The moonlight shone down, illuminating Liu Ruyan's pale face, which was filled with shock and solemnity.

She stared in the direction where the other person had disappeared, muttering to herself, her voice filled with disbelief and a strong desire to investigate.

"Qi Refining Level 4...drawing upon the spiritual energy of heaven and earth...how is that possible..."

(End of this chapter)