Chapter 366

Chapter 366: Killing Qi Chuan

At the moment the Xuan Huang powder descended, Qi Chuan dodged aside but was still contaminated.

The instant the powder touched him, it pierced directly through his top-grade First Level magic robe, exposing large patches of skin.

The protective spiritual light covering his skin was instantly eroded, weak as paper.

Sizzling—

Qi Chuan was hit by intense pain as tiny bloody holes appeared on his skin; this poison could even corrode his Foundation Establishment level physical body.

"Zhou Luo, what kind of poison is this?"

He gritted his teeth, channeling surging mana within his body to continuously pour into the wounds in an attempt to expel the toxic powder.

But this poison was like a maggot in the bone; in a short time, he could only slow its spread, not expel it.

"He’s Zhou Luo?"

Shangguan Qianxue, standing to the side, heard this familiar name, her beautiful eyes filled with shock.

Originally planning to seize the chance to leave, she froze in place, staring with surprise at the tall, upright man.

She had heard the name Zhou Luo before, even within the sect.

Not only because he had once obtained an immortal opportunity and killed two Foundation Establishment cultivators, nor because he had become a Second Level Pill Master.

But because his son, Zhou Changqing, was her junior brother.

Recalling that bright-eyed, white-toothed youth brimming with boyish charm, Shangguan Qianxue could never have imagined she would meet his father here—and that she had once cooperated with him.

She cherished this recently accepted junior brother deeply.

Moreover, he was very likable and greatly favored by their master.

Would it be right to just stand idly by, watching his father be ambushed without intervening?

Shangguan Qianxue was suddenly conflicted.

Most crucially, the other party had somehow obtained some kind of powerful poison, capable of overwhelming even Qi Chuan, a mid-level Foundation Establishment cultivator, leaving him passive and struggling.

At that moment, Zhou Luo looked down from above at the flustered Qi Chuan and rushed toward him without hesitation.

Controlling at least three types of Second Level skills, and backed by the industries of the Immortal City, refining some powerful methods was far from difficult.

Whether they were Second Level spiritual pills and talismans, or the Second Level poison used earlier, all greatly amplified his strength.

Strengthened by these powers, even with Qi Chuan’s various skills and techniques, he was still struggling to withstand the onslaught.

Grasping his Fuyao Sword, Zhou Luo unleashed his aura. Surging mana transformed into dazzling radiance as he stepped on air and plunged downward.

Fwoosh—

As his sword swept forward, fierce blades of sword light raged out, giving the enemy no quarter.

The two engaged in fierce combat once more.

Shangguan Qianxue remained where she was—not leaving, nor choosing to intervene.

Since learning Zhou Luo’s identity, she had been torn by indecision.

Given the level of talent and ability her junior brother Zhou Changqing had already demonstrated, coupled with their master’s deep affection, as his senior fellow disciple sharing the status of house disciple, his future accomplishments would certainly not be below hers.

If he were to discover that she had stood by and watched his father be ambushed and killed without lifting a finger, a rift would likely form between them.

The Qingyuan Sect was not just a place for cultivation, but also a world governed by human relationships.

Between seniors and juniors, between masters and students, among martial uncles and nephews—social bonds were essential.

Without these connections, one’s path of cultivation within the Immortal Sect would become impossibly difficult.

Therefore, unless mutual hatred had reached an irreconcilable level, disciples of the Immortal Sect generally maintained a degree of camaraderie.

Only during factional conflicts could starkly different attitudes surface between adversaries.

Rumor had it that Zhou Luo had fathered five children within the Immortal Sect, all remarkably talented, with most becoming disciples under Golden Core masters.

If she could make Zhou Luo owe her a favor, it might prove highly convenient for her future dealings within the sect’s circles.

Gradually, Shangguan Qianxue gained a clearer understanding of Zhou Luo’s influence within the Immortal Sect.

And so, she reached a decision.

Seeing the two locked in fierce combat once more, she gripped her emerald-green magical artifact sword and sprang into action while Qi Chuan was preoccupied blocking Zhou Luo’s attack.

She glided through the air. Her Foundation Establishment mana erupted in full force, and her body burst with intense radiance.

Bathed in the light, she thrust with her sword.

That strike contained a terrifying divine ability. Upon release, a blinding sword light surged violently toward Qi Chuan’s head.

Since she had chosen to intervene, she would commit fully—she intended to eliminate him on the spot right there and then.

Qi Chuan’s eyes widened in fury, shocked that she’d dare strike.

Was she not afraid of provoking the Chimagong Sect?

Before he could think further, he had no choice but to fling out a lower-grade Foundation Establishment magical artifact in desperation.

It was a piece of white jade. As it shot out, it expanded instantly like a city wall, shielding him.

Crack!

As Qianxue’s sword pierced it, she channeled her mana to its limit, turning her divine ability into a cascade of devastating energy.

The Foundation Establishment artifact couldn’t endure it long; cracks rapidly spiderwebbed across its surface.

The next moment, the jade exploded into countless shards.

Qi Chuan, still defending against Zhou Luo’s assault, was dumbstruck that his defense lasted less than an instant.

The urge to flee seized him.

Though an exalted direct disciple backed by the Chimagong Sect, he was no fool.

Since killing the target was now hopeless, the prudent choice was an immediate retreat.

Where there’s life, there’s hope.

He’d been careless this time. Next encounter, he’d return fully prepared to ambush Zhou Luo.

Manipulating his surging mana, he strained his divine ability to its peak, barely holding off Zhou Luo’s offensive while edging backward toward his escape route.

Seeing this, Zhou Luo instantly grasped his intent to escape.

So did Shangguan Qianxue.

Having stepped in, she would never let him leave.

Angering the Chimagong Sect for nothing would be disastrous.

While the Qingyuan and Chimagong sects were mortal enemies, as an inner disciple she carried far less weight than a direct disciple. The Chimagong Sect’s retaliation might fall solely upon her, with even her own master unlikely to sacrifice everything in her defense.

With this thought, she shot from her sleeve a pale flash.

It shot forth with lightning speed, streaking upon Qi Chuan in a blink.

"A Spirit Beast?!"

Fear jolted through Qi Chuan. Squinting, he glimpsed a small, white-feathered bird with golden wings—too swift to evade.

Only his battle-hardened reflexes and solid mana saved him as he instantly projected a protective energy shell.

Clang!

The bird struck the shell with a metallic clang—and it shattered instantly.

Qi Chuan’s heart raced, stunned that a mere beast could deliver so powerful an impact.

This Spirit Beast must’ve been at least Second Level Mid Grade strength, possibly augmented with special abilities!

With his shield shattered, Zhou Luo pressed the assault.

He summoned waves of faint blue radiance, entangling Qi Chuan and hindering his movements.

Clenching his fists, Qi Chuan readied to deploy his ultimate resort—

Meow—

A cat’s cry pierced his ears.

Instantly, his surroundings distorted.

Seizing the moment, Zhou Luo lunged. With power like cleaving heaven from earth, his sword fell, splitting Qi Chuan cleanly down the middle.

Blood gushed forth, spewing across the sky.