Qin Shi Ambitious

Page 306

"Nüying!" When Xiangjun saw the blood at the corner of Xiangfu's mouth as she retreated, he felt even more pain than if he were injured himself. He stopped retreating and rushed forward to stop Lu Wei from pursuing him.

"Seek death!"

Lu Wei sneered, ignoring Xiang Jun's madness: the two elders of the Yin Yang family, who should have joined forces to fight the enemy, were actually separated by his casual coercion. He could not let go of such a good opportunity, so he decisively swung his sword to strike again.

After the sword energy passed through the injured Lady Xiang's body, the colorless sword energy had a touch of blood at its end.

Seeing this, Lord Xia Kui then dealt with Xiang Jun, who was right in front of him: Earth has the characteristic of bearing, and man is made of earth, born of the earth, standing on the earth, controlled by the earth, and returning to the earth. The mirage is a battleground that is unfavorable to Xiang Jun, and it is even more so after losing Xiang Furen's assistance. His strength here can only be displayed at the level of Yun Zhongjun.

With a swift stroke of his sword, he slit the throat, eliminating the obstacle. Lu Wei, not even having time to wipe the blood from his blade, stood on the rooftop and slashed a gap in the nearby Moon Palace, using his footing to slip inside...

Chapter 371 Battle against Donghuang

The true form of the Eastern Emperor was behind the only remaining inner courtyard door of the Moon Palace. The chivalrous leader quickly stepped forward and cleaved it in two, only to find another identical new door behind it.

It's an illusion!

Lu Wei instantly understood: the cultivation levels of Yin-Yang Arts, from low to high, are Alchemy, Illusion, Mind Control, Astrology, and Soul Transformation. Just from these names, it is easy to see that although Yin-Yang Arts is not only about illusions, various illusions are indeed their most proficient techniques.

Donghuang Taiyi dealt with the Sun, Moon and Stars by forcefully suppressing them with forbidden secret spells, while he almost always used illusions to deal with Lu Wei.

This could be a trap, because if Lu Wei's impression of Donghuang is limited to illusions, ignoring Donghuang's true strength will have a very embarrassing consequence.

Even though Lu Wei dared not be careless towards Donghuang, the smooth journey he had taken had indeed given rise to some prejudice in his mind. This was not normal; it was a subtle hint that the Yin-Yang School leader had been secretly giving during the illusions!

As he realized he had entered the illusion, Lu Wei also noticed the hint. He cleaved open the door in the illusion with another sword strike, silently reciting the sword incantation of the Whale Drinking Sword Technique, using the vast sword momentum of the Devouring Sea Sword to keep himself in a clear-headed state of 'embracing all rivers'.

The cold touch of the sword hilt gradually dispelled the illusion that had been set up for so long, and Lu Wei was still in front of the inner gate of the Moon Palace: the illusion was created when he was about to take a step, and the source was the 'gate' itself.

Compared to the Moon Goddess's illusionary techniques, Donghuang's illusionary abilities, similar to Dongjun's ability to imbue objects with spells, are even more difficult to defend against.

However, at this distance, illusions are no longer very effective.

Stepping forward, the inner door, still two zhang away, opened automatically, revealing Donghuang sitting cross-legged before a table. The Illusionary Sound Box in his hand and the several Azure Dragon Bronze Boxes floating around him were particularly eye-catching.

"Our first meeting in real life, Lu Wei, we can still talk now." Donghuang's voice was extremely cold, a stark contrast to the puppet outside the Crescent Moon Palace half an hour ago.

In the accounts of the Moon Goddess, the Eastern Lord, and the Star Soul, the Eastern Emperor, speaking naturally, seemed to be the real one. However, reality told Lu Wei that the cold Eastern Emperor before him was neither a fake nor a mechanical puppet.

Having confirmed his identity, Lu Wei accepted Donghuang's suggestion without hesitation. He used the Starry Steps technique to flash to the table and slashed down with his sword.

His purpose in coming to the Mirage Tower was solely to kill Donghuang Taiyi, take over the Yin-Yang School, and then poison Ying Zheng with Yunzhongjun's elixir before organizing an uprising. Now was not the time to speak out; there would be plenty of people eager to listen when he wanted to later.

Donghuang sensed the killing intent and dared not be careless. He quickly extended his hands from under his black and gold robe and used the Crimson Blood Curse Seal and the Sleep Sealing Curse Seal from the Eight Yang Meridians of Forbidden Techniques without seeing any hand seals.

The Sleep-Sealing Curse disturbs the mind, while the Crimson Blood Curse ignites the blood. The strength of these two curses lies in their effects after they are planted. To block the sharpness of the Devouring Sea Sword, this is far from enough.

Donghuang understood this, so black energy emanated from his palm, which was covered by a black glove. This energy was pure, highly concentrated Yin and Yang internal energy, which intertwined and formed a net, directly touching the sharp sword.

The Devouring Sea Sword could only cut through one-third of the net before it could not advance any further. Taking advantage of this opportunity, two forbidden spells spiraled upwards along the sword, but they were shattered by the sword's force before they could even touch Lu Wei's palm.

This exchange allowed Lord Xia Kui to roughly gauge that Donghuang's internal energy level was much deeper than Xiaomeng's. Only if this is the case will the Yin Yang School leader still die!

With a flick of his wrist, Lu Wei completely destroyed the black net with sword energy. He then used the sword technique "Earth Bears the Sea's Embrace," and the overwhelming sword momentum forced Donghuang to retreat. The floating Azure Dragon Copper Box and Illusionary Sound Treasure Box scattered and fell down. At this moment, neither of them cared about these treasures that contained great secrets, and their attacks became increasingly ruthless.

Donghuang had no weapon and relied on the concentration of his internal energy to fight against a swordsman of Lu Wei's caliber. He was at a disadvantage throughout the fight, especially since his internal energy was somewhat depleted at the moment, making his performance even worse.

The Devouring Sea Sword grazed the edge of his black and gold robe several times, leaving a trace of blood.

Lu Wei knew there must be something wrong with Donghuang's weakness, but there was no need to worry about it: as long as he could use his sharp swordsmanship to cut off Donghuang's head first, all of Donghuang's backup plans would be useless.

Even in the most extreme scenario: in his dying moments, he would enraged and destroy the mirage, causing it to sink to the bottom of the sea, and he would also arrange for a water snake mechanism to help him escape!

After saying just one sentence at the beginning, Donghuang could only shut up and focus on dodging and parrying the sharpness of the Devouring Sea Sword. He needed a little more time, and he could only rely on his own strength to withstand it.

Since becoming the leader of the Yin-Yang School, even when sparring with other geniuses of the previous generation, Donghuang had never been so humiliated...

The clanging and clattering noises of ceramics, metal, jade discs, and screens breaking and colliding were incessant, and the aftershocks of the two's fight completely destroyed the elegantly decorated Moon Palace, which was adorned with a large number of precious artifacts.

This was because their attacks were only directed at each other; both knew that regardless of who won or lost, the final victor would still have to ensure that the exterior of the Toad Palace was not extensively damaged.

This large ship still needs to return to Sanghai. The destruction of the Moon Palace cannot be concealed forever; at least until the battle is completely decided, a desperate, all-or-nothing confrontation will not occur...

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Inside the Cloud Pavilion, the eldest young master of the Fate Palace gracefully darted and moved around on the Nine-Headed Jade Body, but what the two of them were thinking was not as carefree as their appearance suggested.

The massive body of the Nine-Headed Magatama easily crushed the straight bridge and the platform where the medicine was stored. Below the Cloud Pavilion was a huge, deep hole that led directly to the bottom of the ship. This height might have given the Young Master Si Ming a chance to gain leverage if she jumped down normally, but with the interference of the Nine-Headed Magatama, there was absolutely no hope.

The nine-headed magatama snake has sharp blades on its body that allow it to move against the ceiling against gravity. Whenever the nine heads and the nine sharp spikes at the tip of the tail hit a spot, it would create a shattered pit. The two women it attacked practiced Yin-Yang techniques that were good at attacking and could not hurt it. For a while, Da Siming and Shao Siming could only use the snake's body as a foothold to dodge back and forth.

While Da Siming was dodging, her anger and doubt continued to grow: she was not a good-tempered person to begin with, and this time she was attacked by Yun Zhongjun for no reason by activating the Nine-Headed Jade, which made her even more furious.

The Nine-Headed Magatama has a controlled mode and a berserk mode. The latter will be automatically triggered when it detects an intruder in the Cloud Pavilion, but in the current situation, this mechanical beast is clearly being activated on its own.

This rules out the possibility that the intruder designed the two of them; it can only be Yun Zhongjun who was behind it all!

'Yun Zhongjun is a traitor to the Yin Yang School! He is an inside agent for the invading enemy!' After much thought, Da Siming could only come to this conclusion to explain why he was attacked.

But that conclusion is not enough. If they drag this out any longer, they will be worn down by the Nine-Headed Magatama. Human strength is hard to contend with machinery. The two of them are not top-notch martial arts masters, but the Nine-Headed Magatama is one of the top masters in mechanical arts.

The most troublesome thing is that, because Shao Siming cannot speak, the two of them are currently unable to even communicate effectively...

Beneath the mirage deck, Xiaomeng spared no effort in reaping the Qin soldiers and Yin-Yang School disciples. As the world lost its color, the soldiers were unable to resist and were killed one by one.

After defeating these enemies, Xiaomeng returned to the deck of the Mirage Tower, looked up at the direction of the Moon Palace, and did not choose to go up to help.

First, she killed the River God and Mountain Demon, then she broke through the Yin-Yang Vision, and finally she dealt with a large number of soldiers and disciples. Even with her profound inner energy, Xiaomeng was still quite exhausted. Now she only has some ability to protect herself. If she were to participate in a battle of that level, she would probably become a burden.

Calmly waiting for the outcome from above while meditating under the moon palace, Xiaomeng coldly opened her eyes again after a gust of wind. Before her, a short, stout old man with a cane appeared silently, smiling at her.

Chu Nan Gong, Xiao Meng had met this sage from Chu when she visited Xiao Shengxianzhuang at the invitation of Fu Su. He was a wandering member of the Yin-Yang School!

The Autumn Sword shone brightly once more, and Xiaomeng fearlessly displayed her killing intent...

Inside the Moon Palace, Lu Wei's sword was about to precisely pierce Donghuang's left chest, but Donghuang sacrificed himself to save the king, trading his left hand for his own life.

With his right hand, a more sinister purple than Xinghun's, he gathered energy into a blade, forcing Lu Wei back. Donghuang hid his half-crippled hand behind his back, gritting his teeth as he coldly chanted an incantation:

There's no time to spare. If I wait until everything is ready, I might really be killed!

Lu Wei, unusually, did not press his advantage but instead wisely retreated: he felt a slight pang of unease.

In the midst of this standoff, between him and Donghuang, the Azure Dragon Bronze Box and the Illusionary Sound Treasure Box, nearly half-buried in the ruins, suddenly rose to the surface. The six bronze boxes and one treasure box formed the constellation of the Azure Dragon in the air...

The mirage ship, which was moving at full speed, suddenly came to a stop.

In Lu Wei's heavy perception, the clear scene of the Toad Palace before his eyes suddenly blurred, and an unknown fog completely enveloped the entire mirage.

Using the most powerful illusion created by the mirage, it unfolded...

Chapter 372 Beheading

The five tones blend in a harmonious symphony, bringing joy and peace to the ruler.

The Illusionary Sound Box had been in Lu Wei's hands for a period of time. The almost endless music it produced with each rotation of its eaves could last a person's entire life. Unless one was deliberately trying, no one could hear the same piece of music repeatedly from its automatic operation.

But no matter how different the music is, the dreamlike feeling of 'both illusory and real' that belongs exclusively to the Illusionary Sound Box will not change.

The scene before them suddenly changed. Lu Wei and Donghuang faced each other across a stream that seemed to come from the sky, amidst an endless expanse of swirling clouds. The ethereal music seemed to originate naturally from their minds, without any discernible source.

Focusing their attention on Donghuang, the wounds on his body that Lu Wei had just scratched or stabbed had all disappeared, directly revealing the reality that the two were currently in an illusion.

Normal illusions should, in any case, eliminate or mislead the enemy into not noticing or completely forgetting about them.

Donghuang's confidence proves that he is not worried at all that Lu Wei will be able to see through the trap and escape from here...

And indeed, that was the case: no matter how much Lu Wei told himself that everything before him was an illusion, he not only felt no wariness towards this place, but strangely found it exceptionally welcoming...

At this moment, ripples appeared in the stream between the two of them, and a small wooden boat drifted down from upstream, swaying precariously. This unstable 'toy' splashed a string of crystal-clear water droplets in the stream, but the sound of the water droplets also rang in Lu Wei's mind. The crisp dripping sound made him unable to help but look at the stream itself.

At a glance, Lu Wei recognized the toy boat as a mirage.

He even saw Xiaomeng and Chu Nangong parting ways on the eaves of the roof below the Moon Palace on the small boat... Was this reality unfolding, or...?

"How do you feel?" Donghuang extended his perfectly intact left hand, gesturing an invitation to Lu Wei: "We are immortals now!"

His tone was no longer cold, but rather carried an unusual excitement and a hint of hidden condescension: "Don't you think their behavior is ridiculous?"

The Eastern Emperor was referring to Xiaomeng and Chu Nangong, who were fighting on the small mirage.

"Is this the immortal you imagined?" Lu Wei scoffed and retorted indifferently at Donghuang's arrogant question.

"Oh?" Donghuang's enthusiasm was repeatedly doused with the same bucket of cold water, and his tone became indifferent: "No piece would not want to become the player."

"Why do you think you're qualified to be a pawn of an immortal?" Lu Wei raised his hand and pointed the sword tip back at the Yin-Yang School leader, his head held high: "If becoming an immortal also requires watching the turmoil of the mortal world for your own amusement, then you can't live up to the title of 'immortal'."

Having said that, the chivalrous leader leaped across the stream, the residual energy from his body creating huge waves that easily overturned and sank the small mirage. Xiaomeng and Chu Nangong on the small mirage panicked immediately: however, his actions obviously could not really affect reality, after all, this was an illusion!

This small mirage is a product of Donghuang's imagination based on reality.

"Obstinate!"

Faced with the Devouring Sea Sword thrusting at him again, Donghuang couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive, but he didn't show it at all: "Since you're unwilling to become an ally, then witness the power of an immortal!"

With a casual flick of his outstretched hand, Donghuang conjured up a Devouring Sea Sword Qi that should have belonged to Lu Wei. Lu Wei was startled and tried to counter with his own Devouring Sea Sword Qi, but his genuine power was no match for this imitation. Donghuang's sword qi easily crushed Lu Wei's imitation and continued its unstoppable advance...

He parried with his sword, this being the first time Lu Wei had faced his own sword energy since acquiring the Devouring Sea Sword. With a clang, he was sent flying backward even faster than when he came, tumbling all the way before finally stopping on his knees, using his sword to brace himself. A mouthful of blood immediately welled up from his throat, and blood trickled from the corner of Lu Wei's mouth...

He hadn't felt real pain in a long time... Just a moment ago, he was even afraid.

"You felt it, didn't you! This is the power of an immortal." Donghuang rose into the sky from the ground, his voice, hidden beneath his black and gold cloak, was deliberately suppressed and calm: "You have one more chance to choose."

As he spoke, Donghuang raised his hand, and the sky suddenly darkened. A green dragon burst forth from behind the churning black clouds, letting out a deafening roar. In a flash of lightning, it descended and hovered over his body.

The divine radiance compels one to bow down in submission...

The music from the Void Illusionary Sound Box then transformed into a grand and majestic melody.

"Is that so..." Lu Wei looked down at the unharmed Devouring Sea Sword, slowly stood up and looked up at Donghuang Taiyi, who was fused with the Azure Dragon. His fiercely beating heart suddenly calmed down: "This is the place where our consciousnesses connect, right?"

The Azure Dragons surrounding Donghuang paused for a moment. He didn't answer the question, but waved his hand again, sending an even stronger Devouring Sea Sword Qi, crackling with electricity, slashing towards Lu Wei.

The connection of consciousness is probably the result of a concrete combination of Taoist celestial sound transmission and illusion techniques.

Faced with sword energy that could directly kill him, Lu Wei still had the mind to think about the composition of Donghuang's methods.

However, to complete it, the Illusionary Sound Box and the Mirage Tower are needed as a means. As for the six bronze boxes of the Azure Dragon Seven Mansions, they must be the source of the Azure Dragon aura on the Eastern Emperor's body at this moment!

After all, there is one unchanging truth in the world: illusions are ultimately fake. People will not become stronger or weaker just by entering an illusion, just like Yun Zhongjun's giant spirit illusion.

However, Donghuang's methods are superior to Yunzhongjun's in that his disguise is flawless, and since this is a space of consciousness, the strength here is essentially equal to the resilience of the subject's consciousness, so it can be adjusted according to the subject's cognition.

The reason why Donghuang Taiyi used the Devouring Sea Sword Qi in both attacks was that he believed that doubling the internal energy into this move was the strongest move!