Chapter 262
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Chapter 262: Entanglement
Jiang Ruchao, at the first level of Foundation Establishment, couldn’t endure Duan Chenfeng’s mockery. His sword-like brows twitched as murderous intent solidified in his eyes. He thrust a finger toward Duan Chenfeng’s face.
A gentle white light condensed into a beam, hissing through the air as it shot forward.
To everyone’s astonishment, Duan Chenfeng showed no fear. Instead of retreating, he stepped forward, his right fist unfurling. Swirling light gathered between his fingers and palm, forming a radiant shield before him.
Jiang Ruchao sneered. The gap between them—sixth level of Qi refining stage versus first level of Foundation Establishment—was insurmountable. The purity of true qi at Foundation Establishment alone should’ve shattered Duan Chenfeng’s defense instantly.
The glowing finger struck the shield with a sharp *crack*, bursting into dazzling light that illuminated a hundred zhang around, exposing every detail.
Within the white light shadow, Jiang Ruchao stood with hands clasped behind his back, a faint smirk on his lips. He was certain Duan Chenfeng couldn’t survive unscathed—if alive at all, the man would be crippled.
As the light faded, Jiang Ruchao remained standing… but so did another figure.
Duan Chenfeng stood unharmed, a taunting grin plastered across his face. He’d blocked the attack outright.
“Foundation Establishment isn’t so impressive after all,” Duan Chenfeng jeered, never one for low-key behavior.
Jiang Ruchao’s eyes widened. Duan Chenfeng’s cultivation was undeniably at the sixth level of Qi refining stage. The shield’s true qi had felt weak—comparable to seventh level at best. Yet it had withstood a Foundation Establishment strike.
“Little Yu! See that?” Duan Chenfeng turned to Yu Minghong. “Our Master said early Foundation Establishment isn’t as fearsome as rumored. Blocking this fool’s attack was easy!”
Yu Minghong blinked, about to speak when Duan Chenfeng winked. The latter’s face paled, then flushed bluish-purple before steadying with a deep breath. Having trained together daily, Yu Minghong instantly understood—his friend had hidden injuries.
Keeping straight-faced, Yu Minghong nodded. “Our Master’s words hold true.”
Jiang Ruchao’s composure shattered. Face contorted, he moved to strike again.
“Wait.” Murong Wuhen raised a hand. “Who are your Masters?”
Duan Chenfeng, having covertly swallowed two healing pills, smirked. “Brother Murong’s too focused on Ye Yun to notice us Qi refining ants, hm?”
“I’ll admit underestimating you.” Murong Wuhen’s expression remained flat. “Which Shadowless Peak elder teaches you?”
“Since you ask—the Supreme Elder and Two Elders in Black and White.” Duan Chenfeng adopted a solemn tone.
Murong Wuhen’s eyes flickered. “Disciples of the Two Elders… That explains much.” He turned to Jiang Ruchao. “We’ve been careless.”
“What of it?” Jiang Ruchao spat. “Foundation Establishment crushes Qi refining! They blocked one strike—can they block a hundred? I’d considered brotherhood, but no more.”
Murong Wuhen chuckled. “Let’s take an arm and leg instead. Leave them alive… for now.”
“The blood will draw spirit beasts.” Jiang Ruchao’s grin turned feral. “Their deaths won’t stain our hands.”
“Precisely.” Murong Wuhen laughed.
Su Yinxue stepped forward, shielding Ye Yun’s group.
“Senior Sister Su can’t face us alone,” Murong Wuhen mocked.
“We stand together.” Su Yinxue glanced back.
“Together!” Duan Chenfeng and Yu Minghong chorused, stepping forward in unison.
"There’s also me!" Su Ling’s voice rang out with clear fury as a blue shadow materialized in her palm, undulating and morphing into different shapes.
The four stood united, shielding the cross-legged Ye Yun who still struggled to break through to the third level of Qi refining behind them.
Murong Wuhen’s eyes flickered with momentary surprise before his expression hardened. "Since you’ve made your choice, I’ll honor it."
With a casual wave of his hand, his four followers advanced. Jiang Ruchao positioned himself before Su Yinxue while three other disciples blocked Duan Chenfeng’s group.
"Hua Sheng, Hua Du," Murong Wuhen spoke sideways, clearly disregarding the opponents, "Duan Chenfeng and Yu Minghong are disciples of Shadowless Peak’s Supreme Elders, the Two Elders in Black and White. As you’ve reached the pinnacle of Qi refining, crushing these two will sharpen your path to Foundation Establishment."
The twins nodded. Crimson blade and purple long sword flashed into their hands, radiating ominous glows.
"Let me ask you something." Duan Chenfeng suddenly stepped forward as their weapons appeared.
"What?" they chorused, startled.
"Could you withstand a Foundation Establishment-level strike?"
"Obviously not," they answered together.
"Then how does Murong Wuhen’s cultivation compare to Jiang Ruchao’s?"
"Both are Foundation Establishment experts," they synchronized perfectly again. "But Senior Murong edges slightly higher."
"Could you block Jiang’s earlier finger-strike?"
Hua Sheng and Hua Du shook their heads in unison: "No."
"Then how dare you face me?" Duan Chenfeng’s voice turned icy. "Retreat!"
The command exploded like thunder in their ears. Blushing with shame, they dismissed their weapons and retreated.
"Good. At least you value your lives." Duan Chenfeng nodded, amusement barely concealed.
Yu Minghong understood his companion’s ploy – every moment bought helped heal Duan Chenfeng’s injuries. More crucially, Ye Yun’s imminent breakthrough to third-level Qi refining could shift the battle’s tide.
Observing this, Murong Wuhen frowned. "Hua Sheng! Hua Du! You pig-brained fools! Can’t you see they’re stalling? Attack!"
The twins started, then reddened with rage. Their weapons clashed midair with metallic shrieks before slashing towards Duan Chenfeng and Yu Minghong’s faces.
Duan Chenfeng laughed boldly. Though only at sixth-level Qi refining, his secret techniques had once parried Jiang Ruchao’s Foundation Establishment strike – these peak Qi refiners posed no threat.
"Come!" His battle spear erupted with silver light, meeting the crimson blade.
Yu Minghong remained impassive. A dark ancient mace materialized in his grip, its obsidian glow intercepting the purple sword.
Meanwhile, Su Ling glared death at another disciple. Her commanding aura froze the hesitant youth mid-action.
"Jiang Ruchao," Su Yinxue addressed coolly, "You’re no match for me."
"Prove it then!" he grinned. "But surrender now, and I’ll spare you. I’ve always admired you, Sister Su."
Behind him stood Murong Wuhen, while Su Yinxue’s sole backup remained Ye Yun – that persistent waste still laboring at third-level Qi refining.
