"This formation..."
When Kuangwu Zhenxian brought Qin Yun to the outskirts of the Myriad Mountain Sect, he was astonished by the sect's current protective formation.
The resplendent light screen exuded an aura of immortality. Even a peak Yuan Shen realm expert would likely sigh in helplessness when facing such a grand formation, unable to budge it in the slightest.
"Who among the Myriad Mountain Sect could possibly deploy such a powerful formation?" Kuangwu Zhenxian stared at Qin Yun, a hint of doubt in his eyes.
As far as he knew, the strongest among the Myriad Mountain Sect, Dongji Zhenxian, was only at the middle stage of the Yuan Shen realm. How could he possibly set up a protective formation that gave even him a headache?
Qin Yun remained silent for a long while before finally speaking, "It seems we still underestimated that Zhang Fan. A person who can cultivate the rules of the Dao to perfection in the Nascent Soul stage is indeed extraordinary."
"You mean this protective formation was set up by Zhang Fan?" Kuangwu Zhenxian was surprised. This formation was not easily broken even by experts at the Lian Shen realm. To set up such a formation, one would need at least the skill of an intermediate immortal array master. If Zhang Fan's cultivation path was already so heaven-defying, was his array-making skill also monstrous?
"It must have been him. I can't think of anyone else," Qin Yun shook his head. He had initially thought that inviting Kuangwu Zhenxian would surely lead to success, but upon seeing the newly set up protective formation of the Myriad Mountain Sect, he was no longer confident.
"Senior Brother Kuangwu, perhaps we should retreat for now and invite a few more senior brothers to ensure absolute certainty." At this moment, Qin Yun was already contemplating retreat. This was not a mere probing mission; he genuinely did not wish to act rashly.
After all, the example of Yujian Zhenxian was right before him, and he had no desire to follow in Yujian Zhenxian's footsteps, becoming nourishment for Zhang Fan's cultivation.
"No need to rush. I'll try him first. No matter what means he possesses, I can protect myself with my strength," Kuangwu Zhenxian rejected Qin Yun's suggestion, speaking with confidence.
What a joke. This was perhaps the closest he had ever been to a Dao secret treasure in his entire life. Even if there was mortal danger, he was willing to take the risk.
If they invited a few more Lian Shen realm cultivators, even if Zhang Fan were dealt with, who would get the Dao secret treasure would be uncertain.
Moreover, Kuangwu Zhenxian was merely slightly surprised by Zhang Fan's methods and did not believe the latter could threaten his life.
"Since that is the case, then we shall see Senior Brother Kuangwu's prowess." Qin Yun nodded and said no more. He immediately retreated to a distance, ready to flee at the first sign of trouble.
He naturally understood Kuangwu Zhenxian's feelings. After all, it was a Dao secret treasure. If there was even a sliver of a chance to kill Zhang Fan, he wouldn't have leaked the news.
"Truly a coward." Kuangwu Zhenxian glanced disdainfully at Qin Yun as he said this, then paid him no further mind.
Kuangwu Zhenxian landed on the ground and stomped his foot heavily. His seemingly frail body possessed world-destroying power. The entire Myriad Mountain Continent trembled. A crack several zhang wide began from beneath Kuangwu Zhenxian's foot and spread towards the Myriad Mountain Sect.
The crack was bottomless. Wherever it passed, mountains collapsed and earth caved in, until the Myriad Mountain Sect's protective formation blocked this power. Only then did the crack finally stop.
In an instant, countless rocks tumbled down from the peaks, and dust billowed into the air.
"What's going on?"
"Is this an earthquake?"
The cultivators on the Myriad Mountain Continent were greatly shocked. Although this continent fragment was not very large, to shake the entire continent required extremely terrifying power, something that not just any Lian Shen realm expert could achieve.
The cultivators within the Myriad Mountain Sect felt the tremors most acutely. Figures shot up from various peaks. Dongji Zhenxian stepped out to the outskirts of the Myriad Mountain Sect and saw the frail figure at the end of the crack. He couldn't help but be slightly startled.
"I didn't expect it to be him." Dongji Zhenxian naturally recognized this person. He was a Lian Shen realm expert from the Wuya Dynasty. However, upon remembering that Zhang Fan had now entered the Lian Shen realm, he felt much more at ease.
"I never imagined the renowned Kuangwu Zhenxian himself would grace us with his presence. It truly brings glory to my Myriad Mountain Continent," Dongji Zhenxian said with a chuckle.
"Enough of the pleasantries. Let Zhang Fan come out and see me, or don't blame me for smashing your sect's gates," Kuangwu Zhenxian said.
Zhang Fan flew out from the Golden Light Immortal Mansion and appeared beside Dongji Zhenxian. He looked at the frail man not far away and said with a smile, "Fellow Daoist Qin Yun is truly kind to me. Just after refining the primordial spirit of that Yujian Zhenxian, and knowing my cultivation resources are scarce, he's sent me another one."
"Fellow Daoist Zhang Fan, be careful. This person's Taoist name is Kuangwu. He is quite skilled in battle. His cultivation is only at the early stage of the Lian Shen realm, but his physical body is extremely powerful. It is rumored that he has cultivated a top-tier imperial body technique to a level beyond perfection, making him comparable to experts at the middle stage of the Lian Shen realm," Dongji Zhenxian secretly transmitted.
"Hahaha." Kuangwu Zhenxian couldn't help but laugh upon hearing this. "Everyone says I am arrogant, and I admit it, hence my Taoist name Kuangwu. But seeing you today, I find this junior of yours far more arrogant than I."
"If I kill you, will your Wuya Dynasty still send someone for revenge?" Zhang Fan asked.
"I am not here for revenge," Kuangwu Zhenxian replied, shaking his head. "With your strength and background, you are not worthy of possessing a Dao secret treasure. Hand it over, and perhaps your life can be spared. I believe you understand the principle that possession of wealth invites trouble."
"So much nonsense." Zhang Fan summoned his blood-colored long sword and, transforming into a streak of lightning, struck directly at Kuangwu Zhenxian.
"Well come!" Kuangwu Zhenxian roared, spitting out a torrent of potent energy. The energy was incredibly condensed, like a meteor streaking across the void, aimed at Zhang Fan.
Though the methods of body-refining cultivators were not as varied as Qi refining cultivators, when cultivated to the later stages, every part of their body could become a terrifying magical weapon.
A single breath of energy from Kuangwu Zhenxian was enough to shatter stars, forcing Zhang Fan to treat it with seriousness.
He condensed the rules of the lightning sword dao onto the tip of his sword, shattering it with his blade. With another step, he was already three zhang in front of Kuangwu Zhenxian.
As Zhang Fan swung his long sword, countless sword lights rained down, slashing towards Kuangwu Zhenxian. The latter, seeing this, sneered contemptuously. He made no attempt to block, simply ignoring the onslaught.
Innumerable sword lights landed on Kuangwu Zhenxian's body, emitting a series of metallic clangs, as if striking steel. Sparks flew, but they could not harm him in the slightest.
"Who is this? How can his physical body be so powerful?" Nanzun and others stood above the Myriad Mountain Sect, gazing at the slender figure with solemn expressions.
The Blood Demon Flood Dragon licked its lips, a somewhat lecherous look on its face. "If I could devour him, perhaps I could immediately break through to the Huashen stage."
Dongji Zhenxian was speechless. This Blood Demon Flood Dragon was far too overconfident. With its mere half-step Huashen stage strength, it dared to think of devouring a cultivator in the middle stage of the Yuan Shen realm. It was not afraid of bursting.