Chapter 67

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As the fire crocodiles came into view, Lin Haoming realized that his previous assumption about the talismans attacking each other was likely mistaken. It seemed that someone had used a talisman to attack the two fire crocodiles. Otherwise, it would be hard to explain why the fire crocodiles, equivalent in strength to Foundation Establishment cultivators, had such deep wounds, and the blood flowing from the wounds was tinged with gray, clearly indicating that they were not only injured but also poisoned.

In this situation, even a fool could see that the two fire crocodiles wouldn't last much longer. They just needed some time to wear them down, and they would soon be killed.

Although the fire crocodiles were powerful, they lacked intelligence. Encountering so many people, they couldn't escape their fate of being slaughtered. If it were two Foundation Establishment cultivators working together, the situation would be entirely different.

Just as everyone thought this, the largest of the fire crocodiles suddenly had its horn start to glow, becoming increasingly bright, almost like an additional sun underground.

Seeing this, everyone's faces changed, and they all retreated, realizing something was wrong. The people who were originally surrounding the fire crocodiles quickly moved back.

At the same time, a ring of fire spread out from the fire crocodile's horn. The cultivators closest to the fire crocodile were instantly turned to ashes as the ring of fire swept over them.

The others fled while using various means to resist the flames. Lin Haoming had just arrived and was still on the outskirts, but seeing this, he immediately unfurled the Huntu Umbrella.

Although the fire crocodile's attack was powerful, it was clearly a last-ditch effort. The attack's range was too wide, so the force on each individual was weak. Thus, those at the back only suffered minor injuries and didn't fall.

When everyone regained their senses, they realized that the fire crocodile had a purpose. As it attacked, the other fire crocodile led the remaining smaller fire crocodiles toward the lava lake, breaking through the encirclement.

Everyone was busy resisting the ring of fire, and no one stopped them. The injured fire crocodiles, though, wouldn't be able to escape if pursued, but no one had the intention to chase them.

As for the fire crocodile that had made the last-ditch effort, after releasing the ring of fire, it couldn't even support its own body and fell to the ground, barely alive.

The fire crocodile had sacrificed itself to allow its kind to escape. After resolving the immediate threat, the people from the three sects began to be wary of each other, and a major conflict seemed imminent.

"Disciple Fayuan, come and help me! The fire crocodile is guarding an exquisite fire spirit stone. If we get it, we win!"

At this moment, the monk leading the group from Jinguang Temple, upon seeing Fayuan, immediately shouted.

Hearing this, Lin Haoming and the others understood why the three sects had joined forces to deal with the two second-level fire crocodiles.

This shout made Hu Xiangzhen and Wu Hongfei look at Fayuan, their eyes filled with caution.

With so many people present, Lin Haoming couldn't attack his fellow sect members. Miao Jing, who had narrowly escaped, and as a disciple of the Cult of Magic, Lin Haoming and Wang Chen could only join the Blood Refinement Sect's group.

Among the people gathered from the three sects, the Blood Refinement Sect had the fewest, less than twenty, but with Qiao Chun and Wu Hongfei present, they didn't seem weak.

The largest group was from Tianjian Mountain, with over thirty people. Hu Xiangzhen's ability to gather his disciples was truly impressive.

Jinguang Temple also had nearly thirty people, but over sixty had died in the battle with the fire crocodiles, with nearly half of the Blood Refinement Sect's disciples among them, a significant loss.

Qiao Chun was a tall and slender young man in his early twenties. As he listened to Wu Hongfei, his gaze toward Fayuan clearly showed that Wu Hongfei had warned him about Fayuan's strength.

At this moment, Hu Xiangzhen from Tianjian Mountain suddenly called out to Wu Hongfei, "Daoist Wu, the little monk is here. If you still want the exquisite spirit stone, you should know what to do next, right?"

Wu Hongfei, as the top disciple of the outer sect, had a significant presence among the Blood Refinement Sect's disciples. After hearing this, she and Qiao Chun nodded at each other and responded, "First, we eliminate Jinguang Temple, then we decide the winner."

"Qiao Layman, the Blood Refinement Sect wasn't led by you this time, so why is it now that Daoist Wu is giving orders? And Daoist Hu, you are seriously injured. Knowing you have no hope in the competition, you want the Blood Refinement Sect to fight for you so you can benefit, what a good plan!"

The leading monk from Jinguang Temple, who seemed honest, was not one to hold back his words.

"Monk Fahong, this time, the Blood Refinement Sect is indeed led by me, but Senior Brother Wu is a well-known figure in our sect. His words are also mine, so don't try to sow discord."

Qiao Chun seemed to have made up his mind. After speaking, everyone became wary of the people from Jinguang Temple.

"Senior Brother Qiao, Wang Chen and that guy were with the people from Jinguang Temple earlier. Be careful, they might be up to something!" At this moment, Miao Jing, who had been pursued and was in a sorry state, suddenly shouted.

Wang Chen, being known among the inner sect disciples for his work in the market, now had many eyes on him.

Wang Chen's eyes were filled with anger at Miao Jing's words. He coldly said, "Miao Jing, it was you who wanted to attack me first. I'll tell you, if you die here, so be it, but if you survive, I'll kill you when we get back."

"Senior Brother Wang, why so many words? This guy dares to sow discord at this moment. Who knows what he's planning? Just kill him!" Lin Haoming said, slapping his storage bag, and the talisman that could still be used once, the Mountain Splitting Axe, appeared in his hand.

"Treasure Talisman!" Many people exclaimed upon seeing what Lin Haoming held.

This thing was a powerful weapon here, and no one dared to underestimate it. If it were activated, who could withstand it?

Qiao Chun, staring at Miao Jing, didn't look good. The Blood Refinement Sect already had the fewest disciples, and now they had to deal with internal conflict, which was just causing trouble.

"Junior Brother Lin, is that so? I haven't seen you before, don't be angry. Our current enemy is Jinguang Temple. As long as you are willing to join us, I will help you uphold justice." Qiao Chun said with a smile.

Lin Haoming understood his intention. Clearly, seeing that he had a treasure talisman, Qiao Chun hoped to use his strength. Once he joined, it would mean a conflict with Jinguang Temple, and there would be no suspicion. Dealing with Miao Jing would be a simple matter.

Miao Jing's face changed dramatically upon hearing these words, clearly realizing that he might be betrayed.

Lin Haoming glanced at his pale face and smiled calmly, "Senior Brother Qiao, I am willing to fight Jinguang Temple, but I'm afraid that after the fight, someone else will benefit from it."

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