Chapter 23: Chapter 23: Swordsman Quanqing
The three bandit cultivators formed a triangular formation, surrounding the spirit vessel. Their auras subtly connected, creating a sense of unity.
Li Quanqing glanced at the fifth-layer Qi Refinement bandit and made a guess. "You're the one we passed earlier, aren't you?"
"Heh..."
The man, cloaked in black robes that concealed his build, coldly ordered, "Kill them!"
Boom
The other two immediately obeyed, throwing out walnut-sized thunder orbs that exploded into a web of electric light.
These were Yin Thunder Orbs, crafted from yin energy and extremely toxic. They could corrupt a cultivator's magical tools and even damage their spiritual roots.
Electric snakes danced across the air, accompanied by the rumble of thunder, relentlessly eroding the spirit vessel's protective formations. The white jade vessel swayed precariously, like a leaf in a storm.
"Junior Brother, we'll control the spirit vessel to break through. We need to catch them off guard and kill one of them instantly!"
"We're only forty or fifty li from the market. With such a commotion, the family's enforcement team will arrive soon!"
Li Quanshu calmly assessed the battlefield, searching for a way out. Her voice was steady, but a closer look would reveal a hint of panic in her eyes.
Li Quanqing, however, remained completely calm. Seeing no new enemies emerge, he immediately activated the talismans in his hand.
Hum
A dazzling golden light erupted, forming a thick, house-sized barrier that enveloped the entire spirit vessel.
Crackle
All the black Yin Thunder Orbs surged forward and exploded, but their power was swallowed by the golden light.
"Such a powerful talisman!"
Li Quanshu's eyes lit up with hope. Their chances of breaking through had just increased significantly.
"This..."
The two bandit cultivators were stunned, turning to their leader for guidance.
The Yin Thunder Orbs were their most powerful attack.
The black-robed cultivator remained silent but suddenly attacked, sending out dozens of streaks of light from his body.
These were bone needles, sharp and crimson-tipped, exuding a sweet, nauseating scent coated with deadly poison.
This set of Bone Nether Needles was highly toxic, capable of corroding metal and even piercing through a small mountain. They had killed countless cultivators and spirit beasts.
But when the needles struck the golden barrier, they were all blocked, unable to penetrate.
The dark red tips of the needles sizzled as they rubbed against the golden light, corroding on contact.
The black-robed bandit's heart sank. He then took out his most powerful magical tool, the Blood Shark Blade, and slashed out a crimson blade of light!
Clang
The blade's edge gleamed as it cut through the air, striking the golden barrier like a hammer on an anvil, sparks flying everywhere.
When the energy dissipated, the golden light remained intact, as solid as ever.
"This is too tough. Retreat!"
The man's pupils contracted. He was decisive, immediately calling for his companions to dive into the sea and flee.
They didn't have much time. If they stayed to slowly wear down this golden shell, the enforcement team would arrive.
"Trying to run? Watch my flying sword!"
"Sword, come!"
Li Quanqing shouted, his killing intent palpable. He reached for his storage bag.
Oh no, this guy is a swordsman, renowned for their unparalleled offensive power!
The three bandits felt their hair stand on end. They immediately activated their strongest defenses, no longer daring to relax or flee.
No matter how fast a cultivator's escape technique was, it couldn't outrun a flying sword!
The next second, a dense rain of water arrows fell from the sky, the waves churning like rain beating on banana leaves.
Li Quanqing had used dozens of Water Arrow Talismans in one go, an astonishing feat.
The water arrows were thick and heavy, flying in from all directions with immense force.
The three bandits were struck, coughing up blood, their frustration mounting.
What kind of flying sword is this?
"Sword, come!"
Another wave of water arrows rained down, their energy churning the spiritual energy in the air. There was no escape, above or below.
The bandits cursed loudly, no longer willing to stand their ground. They forced their way through the barrage.
If this continued, with hundreds of talismans being thrown at them, even a late-stage Qi Refinement cultivator wouldn't be able to withstand it!
Thud! Thud! Thud!
But Li Quanqing's intentions were hard to predict.
Under the cover of the water arrows, he activated several Boulder Talismans. Massive rocks fell like meteors from the sky, tearing through the seawater and crashing down on the bandits!
The two fourth-layer Qi Refinement cultivators let out agonized screams. Their heads were smashed, brains splattering, and they fell silent.
Clang
The last bandit, more experienced, drew his Blood Shark Blade and slashed the falling boulders in half.
"What a cunning kid, as vicious as a wolf or fox!"
He didn't dare delay, turning to flee. Soaked in seawater, his heart was as cold as ice.
"Sword, come!"
From behind, another shout rang out, accompanied by the clear sound of a sword's hum resonating through the air.
This time, it must be real, right?
The bandit thought, glancing back as he fled.
A powerful surge of spiritual energy erupted, and a streak of earthy yellow light shot through the air, aiming straight for his vitals!
A magical tool!
The black-robed bandit almost felt like crying. He channeled his spiritual energy, swinging his blood-red blade to accurately strike the incoming light.
Thud
The crimson blade light shattered the streak, revealing the Stone Spirit Seal hidden within.
"Such a heavy tool!"
The bandit was forced down by the impact but managed to block it. He let out a sigh of relief, a hint of joy in his heart.
Just as he relaxed, the Green Carp Sword suddenly emerged from the sea, like a venomous serpent that had been lying in wait.
The sword's light flickered, aiming straight for his heart!
But in the next second, a turtle-shell tool flew out from the black-robed bandit's chest. Ripples of water formed a shield, entangling with the Green Carp Sword.
The fatal strike was successfully blocked.
"Hahaha, you little fox, you're still too green!"
The black-robed bandit couldn't help but laugh, finally venting his frustration.
After so many setbacks, he had finally won once!
With his tool blocked, the attack had indeed failed.
Li Quanqing shrugged helplessly. "You're lucky. I'll spare your life. Now scram."
The bandit snorted coldly, though the smirk under his mask was impossible to hide.
He turned to look at the vast sea, a sense of hope for survival enveloping him once more.
Great joy, great freedom!
The cultivator cautiously retreated, but just as he did, a small wave exploded beneath his feet.
Pfft
A streak of golden light shot out, piercing through the void like a meteor!
The golden light rapidly expanded in his vision. There was no time to dodge. It pierced through his skull, leaving a gaping hole.
Golden Metal Finger!
From the force of the attack, the black-robed bandit's head snapped back.
The boundless sea and sky merged into one, his vision slowly turning red as blood filled his eyes. The world became a blur of crimson.
Those unwilling eyes finally lost their last glimmer of life.
"Finally, they're all dead. I'm never leaving home again."
"The outside cultivation world is just too dangerous!"
On the spirit vessel, Li Quanqing collapsed to the ground, exhausted. His spiritual energy was down to a pitiful 40%.
He clutched a spirit stone, quickly replenishing his energy, but he didn't let his guard down.
Beside him, Li Quanshu's lips parted slightly, her pretty face frozen in shock. She hadn't fully processed what had just happened.
She had been ready to fight for her life, only to witness her junior brother's dazzling display of skill, taking down all three enemies with what seemed like three sword strikes.
Her mind was still reeling.
"Senior Sister, what are you thinking about?"
Thanks to his strong physique, Li Quanqing was still full of energy. He waved his hand in front of the girl's face. "Wake up!"
Li Quanshu blinked, her admiration genuine. "Junior Brother, your swordsmanship is incredible!"
"In the future, you'll be the Li family's peerless swordsman!"
"Really? I think so too!"
"One sword to roam free, invincible in the Eastern Sea!"
Li Quanqing rubbed his head, grinning from ear to ear. "Come on, let's go loot the bodies. From now on, you'll eat and drink well with me!"