Chapter 57

In terms of speed, Zhuge Xiang was far behind Zixiang, who was at the ninth level of the Qi Cultivation stage. At critical moments, his explosive steps could turn the tide. Moreover, Zixiang had already been poisoned, and although she had temporarily suppressed the powerful toxins, both her attacks and speed were affected to some extent. Therefore, Zhuge Xiang and the ninth-level Qi Cultivation Zixiang were evenly matched.

Although he did not have the defensive effect of the Steel Secret Medicine, the defensive artifacts covering most of his body provided Zhuge Xiang with about 70 points of defense, which was roughly half the effect of the Steel Secret Medicine. In the intense battle, Zhuge Xiang was occasionally hit by Zixiang's long sword, but with 70 points of defense and the support of healing pills, he was in no real danger. However, the long sword in Zixiang's hand made Zhuge Xiang wary. When struck by the sword, his skin was cut open, and the wound turned black with a surprising heat, indicating that the sword had a fire attribute damage effect.

With the defense of the artifacts covering most of his body and the support of healing pills, Zhuge Xiang was in no real danger. However, Zixiang was different. The toxins that had been suppressed were about to burst out, but she had no time to put on her equipment during the intense battle. Zhuge Xiang used the effect of his explosive steps to cut a large wound on her body, causing her to bleed profusely. Zixiang even felt her consciousness becoming hazy.

"His artifact is so terrifying..." Staring at the cutting blade in Zhuge Xiang's hand, which was covered with fine saw teeth, Zixiang's eyes were filled with deep apprehension.

A single attack caused so much blood to flow from her wound, and the effectiveness of the medicine was greatly reduced. Zixiang clearly understood that the cutting blade in Zhuge Xiang's hand was even more terrifying than her own Netherfire Sword.

"It's not possible. This guy not only has many artifacts but also powerful weapons and a terrifying step technique. Moreover, he takes recovery pills like candy. It's impossible to end the battle quickly."

After a brief struggle, Zhuge Xiang, thanks to the healing pills, had fully recovered from his injuries and was still full of energy. However, Zixiang's injuries were severe, and the toxins were difficult to suppress. She realized that it was impossible to quickly defeat Zhuge Xiang and naturally began to think about retreating.

Since she had given up, she decided to leave as soon as possible. The toxins in her body were almost uncontrollable. She stared at Zhuge Xiang, as if trying to remember his face, then turned and quickly ran away.

"Senior Sister Zixiang, where are you in such a hurry? It's dangerous outside," Zhuge Xiang said with a smile, knowing that this was a sign that the toxins were about to burst. He quickly chased after her.

Although he did not have any profound movement techniques, with a pair of Star Chasing Boots that increased his movement speed by 30%, Zhuge Xiang's straight-line speed was still quite fast. Although he could not catch up to Zixiang, he managed to keep her in his sights. If the toxins burst out, it would only be a matter of time before he caught up to her.

During the chase, Zixiang took several pills, some to suppress the toxins, some to restore her qi, and some to heal her wounds. However, Zhuge Xiang also had plenty of pills. They ran for over thirty miles, but Zixiang could not shake Zhuge Xiang off.

After taking several pills to suppress the toxins, their effectiveness was decreasing, and the toxins in her body were becoming stronger, almost uncontrollable. This made Zixiang increasingly anxious. She never thought she would encounter such a difficult opponent today, and even more so, that a mere fifth-level Qi Cultivation disciple would chase her to the point of running for her life.

Her consciousness was becoming increasingly blurred. Although the wound from the cutting blade had healed, she had lost a lot of blood, and the toxins were taking their toll. Zixiang clearly knew that she was at a critical juncture, and it would not be long before the toxins burst out. Even if Zhuge Xiang let her go, she would not have time to detoxify.

Zixiang, who was running for her life, suddenly stopped and turned to face Zhuge Xiang, her eyes filled with a mix of seriousness and madness, like a gambler who had lost everything and was willing to do anything.

Zhuge Xiang naturally did not hesitate and moved forward. However, the madness in Zixiang's eyes made him cautious. This woman was as venomous as a snake and had killed and plundered many resources. Who knew what other cards she had up her sleeve.

"Why aren't you running anymore? Have you given up?" Zhuge Xiang stopped about seven meters away from Zixiang and asked.

At this distance, with his explosive steps, he should be safe, and he was not afraid of her running away. After all, the toxins in her body were almost uncontrollable, and he was not in a hurry to act.

"Don't push me. If you push me too far, I'll die, and you won't be able to escape either." With a mad look in her eyes, Zixiang touched her left hand's storage ring and took out something. Her beautiful face was distorted with a grim expression.

"Do you know what this is? This is the Rain of Pear Blossoms, worth 8,000 spirit stones. Once it bursts, 1,111 needles as fine as cow hair will be released, and even a Pulse Channeling disciple cannot withstand it. If you push me too far, we'll both die. Do you think I would dare to walk in the Endless Mountains at the ninth level of Qi Cultivation without any preparation?" Zixiang's face was filled with madness, and no one doubted that she would do anything to take down her opponent.

An item worth 8,000 spirit stones made Zhuge Xiang's face serious. These formal disciples only earned 100 spirit stones a month, so 8,000 spirit stones were equivalent to seven years of savings without spending a penny.

With so much money, even a six-star artifact could be bought. This guy must have killed many fellow disciples. A one-star artifact cost between 100 and 300 spirit stones, so 8,000 spirit stones could buy at least twenty to thirty very good artifacts.

"Do you think this can threaten me?" Although Zhuge Xiang's face was serious, he did not hide the killing intent in his eyes. He clearly understood Zixiang's intentions. She was trying to scare him away. It was true that if he really decided to kill her, she would do anything to take him down with her. However, she was too dangerous, and Zhuge Xiang could not let her go.

"You can try. Do you think I will let you off if I die?" Zhuge Xiang's response, and the killing intent in his eyes, made Zixiang's face change. Her voice became sharper, and her madness increased. Her hand was already on the trigger of the Rain of Pear Blossoms, ready to use it at any moment.

An item worth 8,000 spirit stones, a six-star artifact could also be bought. This one-time Rain of Pear Blossoms had a terrifying killing power. However, Zhuge Xiang had wasted so much time, acted, and used several healing and qi recovery pills. More importantly, she knew about the Ice Maiden's Legacy Mansion. Zhuge Xiang could not be scared away and return empty-handed. This kind of loss was not in his nature.

"You are too dangerous. I don't want a potential threat to burst out at any time. Besides, do you think I, a fifth-level Qi Cultivation disciple, would walk in the Endless Mountains without any means? Your Rain of Pear Blossoms is strong, but it can't kill me." He touched his waist, and a Phantom Clone Scroll appeared in his hand. Zhuge Xiang stepped forward without hesitation.

The Phantom Clone Scroll could instantly swap his body with a shadow, making the shadow take all the attacks. Although shadows were not visible in the dark, it could be assumed that shadows were everywhere.

With a Phantom Clone Scroll, even under a Reversion Realm disciple, he could escape with his life. This second life was precious, but Zhuge Xiang felt it was necessary to use it here. If Zixiang escaped, the consequences would be endless. With her deceitful methods, who knew if she would one day lure several Body Tempering disciples to kill him?

Zixiang's eyes narrowed. Although Zhuge Xiang only took one step forward, the determination he showed and the Phantom Clone Scroll in his hand made it clear that he was not bluffing. With her ability to read people, she did not think he was lying. Did he really have a way to deal with her Rain of Pear Blossoms?

The Rain of Pear Blossoms was Zixiang's last card and her greatest reliance. Once, a seventh-level Body Tempering disciple saw through her scheme, and she used the Rain of Pear Blossoms to scare him away. However, today, seeing Zhuge Xiang's confident demeanor, it was clear he was not bluffing. The eyes filled with intense killing intent clearly showed he would not let her go.

"Actually, we don't need to end up in a lose-lose situation. How about we make a deal? Ten one-star artifacts as compensation." Her eyes flickered, and Zixiang, unwilling to risk her life, softened her tone.

Zhuge Xiang did not respond to Zixiang's words, and his steps did not stop. His eyes were filled with killing intent.

"Fifteen... no... twenty... This is my limit..."

Watching Zhuge Xiang step closer, Zixiang stepped back, her face filled with fear.

"In my view, you are more dangerous. I can't let a tiger back into the mountains. Besides, the things on your body will be mine once you die," Zhuge Xiang said coldly, his steps not stopping. Although she offered many artifacts, the thought of her possibly bringing Body Tempering disciples to take revenge in the future made him determined not to let her go.

Smart people speak simply. Zhuge Xiang's concerns were clear to Zixiang. After a moment of hesitation, she finally said, "I'll place my life-bound insect on you. Are you satisfied now? This is my last limit. If you don't agree, I have no choice but to fight you to the death."

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