Death God: Starting from Refining Essence into Qi

On the northwestern front of the northern outer ring of Seireitei, thousands of Quincy were lined up in neat rows, advancing along the alleyways of Seireitei.

Even though Seireitei is the Shinigami's home ground and has the advantage of street fighting, ordinary Shinigami, who are skilled in small-team combat, still have no advantage in the face of the Quincy's arrow rain and quickly collapse.

Just as the Quincy army continued to advance into the inner perimeter, a lone figure blocked their way.

Executive Taketsuna stood in the middle of the street, the kanji "seven" written on the back of his white haori. He was tall and thin, with a cold expression, and a thick scarf around his neck. His clothes were slightly stiff and only swayed slightly in the wind.

The reason why Takeshi Nobuaki fights alone is because his Zanpakuto is prone to accidentally injuring friendly forces. Compared to team battles, facing the enemy alone allows him to maximize his abilities, even creating the current situation where he can hold off an enemy single-handedly.

Executive Takeshi glanced at the dark mass of Quincy in front of him, slowly drew his Zanpakuto from its sheath, and approached the crowd step by step.

Executioner Nao Takeshi exhaled a puff of white breath. A deep blue chill spread along the blade, instantly coating it with a translucent ice shell, white mist swirling and rising from the edge. The surrounding temperature plummeted, frost rapidly forming on the ground centered on him, and dust particles floating in the air froze into tiny ice crystals, falling softly to the ground.

The Quincy in the front row instinctively stopped in their tracks, their fingers gripping the spirit bows stiffening. They could feel the speed of their spiritual energy circulation slowing down in the cold air, making it more difficult to condense the spirit arrows than usual.

"He's wearing a white haori, a lone captain! We outnumber him, let's kill him!" Someone drew back the bowstring first, and a blue spirit arrow shot out, heading straight for Shigenobu's face.

The arrow flew to within three feet of him, as if it had crashed into an invisible ice domain. Its speed decreased drastically, and ice crystals quickly condensed on its body. Finally, it turned into a piece of broken ice and fell to the ground with a clatter.

"Varied……"

"Impossible, how could a spirit arrow freeze?"

With a grim face, his eyebrows, hair, and beard quickly frosted over as he walked expressionlessly into the Quincy army. Tiny ice crystals in the air formed a thin, milky-white mist that drifted slowly along the ground towards the direction of the sword.

A thick white fog gradually formed around them, obstructing everyone's vision and reducing their spiritual perception. A layer of cold fog formed on the ground, thickening as it approached the blade.

As he strode forward, his footsteps crushed the frost layer on the stone slabs, producing a crisp sound as ice crystals shattered. The tiny cracks in the stone slabs began to widen, and the walls of the surrounding alleyways gradually began to peel away.

More spirit arrows rained down from afar, their dense blue light obscuring the sky. But Shi Zhi Naiwu Gang simply held his sword horizontally in front of him, and the spirit arrows shattered like fragile ice spikes, falling to the ground and merging with the frost.

It seemed colder around us.

A pale blue liquid substance appeared in the air around Takeshi Naoki, flowing down the walls and the ground, gathering into shallow pools in low-lying areas. The liquid continued to boil and evaporate, forming thick, cold steam, completely enveloping the entire area in swirling white mist.

As he walked past, the Quincy around him froze, their exposed skin turning white, and their faces forming a layer of ice crystals. People coughed incessantly, their limbs stiffening and even convulsing; even those who wanted to escape were too late.

People continued to collapse from the sudden drop in temperature and respiratory failure, lying stiffly on the ice on the ground like frozen meat in a refrigerator, their fate unknown.

Among the Quincy army, only a very few elites could barely insulate themselves from the extreme cold outside with their spiritual pressure and maintain normal physiological functions through their Blood Stasis Armor, but their muscles were still stiff and they could not move, and they were even unable to control their spiritual particles to form the Flying Leg to retreat.

The number of people was insignificant compared to the execution of the sword, which he simply raised. The blade was covered with a dense, solid film of air, giving it a deep, matte texture that almost swallowed light. The huge temperature difference caused the surrounding light to refract and distort slightly.

As the Zanpakuto approached the Quincy who were still clinging to life, their bodies rapidly brittled, breaking cleanly like ice sculptures, and crashing to the ground without leaving a trace of blood.

The Quincy ranks stretched out for a long time. When the Quincy in the back row saw that the front row was completely silent, they realized something was wrong and immediately retreated. The army of thousands was forced to scatter and flee by the executioner, Nobuaki.

-----------------

Suddenly, a fleeing Quincy force surged onto the main battlefield, causing the Quincy's previously stable morale and formation to falter.

The Grim Reapers advanced under the Quincy's firepower, blades flashing and spirit arrows clashing, the battle cries deafening. One soldier after another fell, and another immediately filled the gap, the battle line inching forward in a constant back-and-forth struggle.

Gen had already changed out of the white haori that represented the Great Demon Master and was following Shihouin Sennatsu to support the chaotic battle at Zenjouji Yubin's location.

Without the striking white haori, Gen, dressed in ordinary black Shinigami attire, blended in with the other Shinigami members, appearing as just a handsome young Shinigami, completely unremarkable.

The previous sniping was still fresh in his mind. His conspicuous clothing and large-scale demonic arts would only attract concentrated fire. Gen only managed to escape the battlefield with the help of Senri and Saito.

In order to expedite the victory of the Death God faction while ensuring his own relative safety, Xuan chose to enter the battlefield in a different way—close combat.

The pure energy within his body surged and spread through his blood vessels, immersing his muscles and bones in this power, causing his strength and speed to steadily increase. When using the Blood Movement Armor, the spiritual energy circulated entirely within his body, significantly enhancing his muscle strength and speed, unlike the Blood Stillness Armor which would cause spiritual energy patterns to appear on his skin.

Senji Tsuyoshi, standing nearby, punched a Quincy wielding a rapier, sending him flying. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Gen also rushing forward to engage the Quincy in close combat, his speed and strength no less than his own, despite being a captain-level fighter. Senji Tsuyoshi was slightly shocked and said, "Are you holding back? Or is your physical talent amazing? Fighting without using Kido but with swordsmanship, Captain-Commander Genryusai will definitely be very pleased."

Xuan dodged the incoming rapier by sidestepping, and his elbow struck the opponent's chest, the crisp sound of bones breaking mixed with a muffled groan; he then pierced through a Quincy with another slash and held it above his head to block several incoming spirit arrows.

Xuan spoke calmly, his feet moving forward steadily: "My experience after using the Ghost Path has left me with lingering fears, so it's better not to be too conspicuous. If I stay near you, others will definitely blame you for all the Quincy who died, and I won't be the one targeted. I know your speed; at least you won't be in mortal danger from ranged attacks."

Upon hearing this, Qianri joked, "If you're not strong enough and afraid of being targeted, then go and improve your strength. Don't try to play tricks on me."

The two charged forward side by side, leading a group of Shinigami like sharp knives into the Quincy army. The spiritual arrows from afar were reduced significantly in an instant, and the main threat was now only the Quincy around them who were armed with rapiers or shields.

Qianri's mastery of the Instant Step technique was unparalleled; his figure appeared and disappeared in the firelight, his stealthy and mobile killing skills were displayed to the fullest on the battlefield. His movements were clean and swift, each strike hitting a vital point, either a fingertip to the throat or an elbow to shatter the sternum; his moves were simplified to the extreme.

Xuan observed and learned close-quarters combat techniques on the battlefield. These ordinary Quincy were not enough to force Xuan to fight at full strength; he still had the energy to spare for a thousand days of observation. After some observation, Xuan's killing efficiency hadn't improved much, but his consumption of physical and spiritual energy had significantly decreased.

Xuan couldn't help but gasp. Clearly, as the head of one of the five great noble families, his talent was already exceptional, yet he still had to learn so many skills, even including various battlefield techniques—it was truly terrifying. It was like someone being smarter and more hardworking than you; facing Qianri, Xuan couldn't even guarantee he would be more diligent.

With a thousand suns shining nearby, the two swiftly dealt with any obstacles along the way, their moves concise yet deadly. The closer they got to the center of the battlefield, the stronger the spiritual pressure in the air became, and the booming sound of the giant axe colliding with the vajra ring grew clearer and clearer. Each collision was accompanied by a deafening roar, and even the ground trembled slightly.

The killing continued among the Quincy in the vicinity for a thousand days. Gen then sneaked behind the broken wall next to Yorihime Zenjoji and Algra Ralau. Finally, there were no more Quincy around, and Gen was able to observe the battle.

Seeing the bloodstains behind Consort Seonjeong and the pool of blood on the ground, while the two were still fiercely fighting, Xuan couldn't help but be shocked by their stamina.

Xuanzang carefully concealed his spiritual pressure behind the broken wall, freeing Zhenyuan. He was waiting for the perfect moment to ensure that the demonic path could hit its mark accurately, making the most of this rare opportunity that could influence the outcome of a high-level battle.

The reason for not using the "All Things Are Illusory" method is that he knows he only has one chance to make a move. If he uses the "All Things Are Illusory" method on an enemy with higher spiritual power than himself, it will cause him to become exhausted or even temporarily overdrawn, which would be detrimental to his subsequent retreat from the battlefield.

Finally, Algra Ralau raised his double axes high, leaned forward, and brought them down fiercely on Zenjoji's head. This was the moment when his old strength had just been exhausted and new strength had not yet been generated, and also the moment when his space to dodge was the smallest.

With a flick of his finger, Xuan unleashed nine black orbs of spiritual energy around Algra Ralau, binding his every move. This was none other than [Binding Technique Seventy-Nine: Nine Luminaries Binding].

Algra Ra's movements abruptly halted, the axe he had raised suspended in mid-air. He let out a low growl, his muscles bulging, and a pale blue spiritual pressure erupted from within him, attempting to break free of his restraints.

"Ha, now it's your turn." Seeing this, Zenjoji Yubin did not hesitate at all, and swung her Vajra Ring heavily, smashing it down on Algra Ralau's head. Protected by the Bloodstained Armor, this blow did not end the battle, but a dent was clearly visible on Algra Ralau's head.

Without the slightest hesitation, Xuan seized the moment when Algra Ralau was mobilizing his spiritual power to break free from the [Nine Luminaries Binding], and quickly thrust his hands forward, gathering dazzling lightning in his palms—[Breaking the Dao - Chapter 88: Flying Dragon Strikes the Thief with Heaven-Shaking Thunder Cannon].

A massive, thunderous dragon roared from his palm, its blue-white lightning illuminating half the sky as it hurtled straight towards the bound Algra Ralau with a destructive aura. The instant the lightning exploded, a blinding white light engulfed Algra Ralau's figure. A deafening roar shook the surrounding walls, sending debris crashing down. The shockwave ripped through the ground, scattering blood and rubble, and even creating a shallow crater.

The moment Xuan fired the [Flying Dragon Strike Thunder Cannon], he turned around and left without looking back, heading towards Qianri's direction. He knew that a captain-level being was not so easily killed in one blow. Staying in place would only subject him to the opponent's furious counterattack. What was more dangerous was that he would be targeted by a large number of Quincy elites, and might even be targeted by other captain-level Quincy.

At this moment, quickly rendezvous with Senri is the top priority, rather than staying put to check the outcome. The reason Senri led a group of Shinigami to pierce through the Quincy's lines was to provide cover for Gen's reinforcements and to contain the Quincy's firepower from the surrounding area.

Chihi isn't good at close-quarters combat with others; a ranged Kido is more suitable for intervening in captain-level battles.

Xuan activated his Bloodlust Gear without hesitation, and even activated Instant Burst with Zhen Yuan's assistance to further increase his speed.

Qianri noticed the changes in Xuan from afar. Mainly because Xuan's spiritual pressure was now at the captain level, and his entire body was shrouded in white, transparent spiritual energy, making him exceptionally conspicuous on the battlefield.

A clear look of surprise flashed in Qianri's eyes. He moved swiftly, instantly appearing beside another Quincy, and delivered a precise chop to the back of the opponent's neck, cleanly and decisively taking him down. His tone was filled with undisguised astonishment: "Let's get out of here first. You have this kind of skill? I feel like you can actually hold your own against me in close combat now."

Xuan continued walking, replying, "This state is called Instantaneous Burst. It can't be maintained for long; it's currently just a short-term burst of power. After this war, I'll refine it further and teach it to you."

Upon hearing this, Qianri's eyes lit up, and he drew his sword, deflecting the incoming spirit bullets. He laughed loudly, his figure once again blurring through the crowd, Quincy falling one after another in his wake: "It's a deal."

-----------------

As the lightning gradually dissipated, Algrara Lalau's figure was revealed. His body was mangled and bloody from the lightning, his military uniform torn into tattered strips hanging on his body. He shook his massive frame, shaking off the rubble and charred fragments of clothing, a ferocious rage burning in his eyes.

He glanced around and his eyes locked onto Xuan, who had just left not far away. But there were still enemies in front of him, so his gaze was fixed on Consort Seonjeongji in front of him.

Zenjoji Yubin was still in her Bankai. Algra Ralau knew that in her current state, she could hardly hold out until her opponent's Bankai ended. She had to kill her enemy as soon as possible, or she would have no chance of winning. All the pain and anger converged into a fanatical killing intent. Algra Ralau decided to drag her opponent down to hell with her.

Algra Ralau let out a deep roar, channeling all his spiritual power into his legs, causing the stone slabs beneath his feet to shatter. He lunged forward, his massive body swirling with a powerful gust of wind as he hurtled toward Shanding Temple, his arms outstretched as he gripped the temple's waist tightly.

Caught off guard, Zenjoji Yubin was grabbed tightly. He roared, the muscles in his arms bulging as he tried to pry Algra Ralau's arms off, but the other's arms tightened like red-hot iron clamps. The two burly men were locked in a stalemate, the stone slabs beneath their feet unable to withstand their force, cracks spreading outwards like a spiderweb.

At Shanding Temple, Consort You's forehead veins bulged, and the Vajra Ring in her hand hummed and trembled, its dark red light flickering. He tried to raise his hand to attack, but his waist and abdomen were held tightly, limiting his arm strength, and he couldn't swing the Vajra Ring with enough force.

Algra Ralau groaned and hugged even tighter, the pain from his ribs being squeezed did not affect his movements at all. His spiritual pressure began to surge wildly, and all the remaining spiritual energy gathered at the top of his head.

A giant axe slowly took shape, its blade wreathed in violent spiritual pressure; even the gusts of wind emanating from it stung one's cheeks. This was the final strike he had gathered, using almost all of his spiritual power. The axe still trembled, carrying a world-destroying force.

He wielded the giant axe high into the air and brought it down fiercely on the head of Lady Zenjongji.

Zenji Yubin's pupils contracted. He suddenly lowered his stance and spurred his horse, his feet sinking deep into the stone slabs. A deafening roar erupted from his throat as he channeled the last of his spiritual power into his arms, managing to lift Algra Lalau's massive body.

Algra Ralau was no longer able to stop the force of the giant axe's downward strike, so he simply removed his Bloodlust Armor and fiercely immobilized Zenjoji Yubin, putting him in an immobile state once again.

The giant axe slammed down, and the two spiritual pressures rapidly weakened. Gen and Chizuru, who were retreating from the encirclement and concentrated fire of the Quincy, also clearly sensed the successive weakening of the two enormous spiritual pressures, and were both shocked.

Gen was even more astonished: "Wasn't Zenjōji Yubin the captain? In the original story, there was a scene where the captains surrounded Yhwach, but how did Zenjōji Yubin die? How could my involvement have led to the worsening of the battle?"