Chapter 695

Chapter 695: A Dilemma

In the high skies, the battle between Wang Chen and Liang Cen reached a fever pitch.

Both sides quickly closed the distance, engaging in intense close-quarters battle, while the fierce collisions of Fire Crows and black crows stirred the winds and clouds, intensifying the clash of magical and dark forces.

"Lightning come!"

As the rain of fire fell from the skies, Wang Chen’s true form reappeared.

He seized the Longyuan Sword that had just flown back to him, facing the countless black crows surging in from all directions without fear, his voice low and steady as he shouted angrily.

Crack!

With his command, a thunderous force, filled with the utmost yang power, descended from above, enveloping hundreds and thousands of black crows.

In an instant, lightning danced and purple serpents slithered, turning the countless black crows to nothing!

The Sky Thunder could counter all evil techniques; although Wang Chen had only practiced the Purple Palace-level lightning technique, with his Perfected Level mastery, he utterly obliterated his opponent’s black crow magic.

As Wang Chen unleashed his power, the falling lightning became denser and the area of effect quickly expanded.

A peculiar black crow suddenly revealed itself!

This black crow seemed no different from the others, but when struck by a beam of lightning, it not only remained intact but also exuded a dense, dark light, managing to withstand the blow.

Wang Chen’s keen senses instantly detected this unusual foe.

"Speed!"

He immediately commanded the Longyuan Sword to shoot forward, its blade aimed directly at the peculiar black crow.

As the life treasure flying sword surged forward for dozens of steps, it suddenly split into a series of sharp sword lights, sealing off the target’s evasive space!

"Squawk—"

Seeing the dangerous situation, the black crow quickly opened its mouth to spit out a glossy black crystal bead.

In the next moment, the crystal bead unleashed an endless stream of dark light that blotted out the sky and sun, covering everything around—not only engulfing the black crow but also ensnaring Wang Chen!

Wang Chen’s Longyuan Sword lost its mark, and the strike he thought was certain fell empty!

Furthermore, the dark forces in the space around Wang Chen surged violently, forming a gigantic prison that sought to bind him tightly within, eroding and devouring his body and soul!

Liang Cen had clearly activated some kind of treasure-level Demonic Tool, instantly turning the tide of the battle.

Wang Chen, who had once held the advantage, now found himself in a perilous situation!

However, Wang Chen, trapped in the predicament, remained utterly calm.

He had plenty of aces up his sleeve!

For example, the Yueyang Bell he had seized from a certain true immortal could easily handle such a situation.

But Wang Chen did not use this treasure; he simply recalled the Longyuan Sword, leaving it suspended in the air, motionless.

It gave the impression that he was at a loss.

In the blink of an eye, Liang Cen silently appeared behind Wang Chen, his right hand clawed and lightning-fast, striking toward Wang Chen’s vital point!

At this moment, the evil cultivator’s five fingers had transformed into sharp claws, each glimmering with dark light and surrounded by wisps of black energy.

Just as Liang Cen’s venomous claws were about to strike, Wang Chen suddenly seemed to awaken from a dream, turning sharply to confront the foe.

Pfft!

Wang Chen’s magical shields were instantly pierced by Liang Cen, whose claws tore through his robe and reached the skin of his chest.

An icy dark force erupted with a mighty force!

Bang!

Wang Chen was sent flying like a kite with its string cut, blood spurting from his mouth along with fragments that seemed to be from his internal organs.

Liang Cen’s strike was vicious and ruthless, showcasing his peak Purple Palace cultivation level in all its glory.

With a single blow, he sent Wang Chen crashing to the ground!

But this powerful evil cultivator did not escape unscathed.

A sword scar ran straight from his brow to his chin, the flesh split open yet strangely not a single drop of blood spilled.

This was Wang Chen’s counterattack, delivered in the instant he was ambushed.

The strike had also cleaved through Liang Cen’s magical armor!

It was this very strike that caused a flicker of surprise to appear in Liang Cen’s otherwise cold and emotionless eyes.

He did not immediately pursue the seriously wounded Wang Chen.

At that moment, several streaks of light shot in from the east, moving as swiftly as arrows loosed from a bow.

Liang Cen’s eye twitched, and he cast a deep glance at the fallen Wang Chen before turning and waving his sleeve, instantly transforming into a cloud of black smoke.

He soared into the heavens!

By the time the newcomers arrived, the evil cultivator had already fled far away.

"Cough, cough!"

Wang Chen struggled to rise from the ground, his face as pale as paper, coughing violently and spitting up blood.

A few moments later, three streaks of light landed before him.

They were three Purple Palace cultivators clad in the uniforms of the Patrol Office!

"Exorcism division Wang Chen?"

One of them asked in a deep voice, "Was that Liang Cen just now?"

Wang Chen pressed a hand to his chest, forcing a bitter smile. "Yes, it was."

A hint of mockery flashed in the man’s eyes as he said, "You’re no match for Liang Cen. We’ll take over the pursuit. Go back and recover from your injuries."

Wang Chen nodded silently.

"Let’s move!"

The man paid no further attention to Wang Chen and soared into the sky, the other two cultivators following close behind as they chased in the direction Liang Cen had fled.

Wang Chen watched them go, licking his dry lips.

Bearing his heavy injuries, he made his way back to the Patrol Office in Yongle Immortal City.

"Cough, cough… Please forgive my incompetence."

In the hall of the Exorcism division, a disheartened Wang Chen bowed to Guan Shengping and said, "I was no match for Liang Cen. The pursuit has been taken over by my colleagues from the arrest division."

Guan Shengping stared at Wang Chen in silence, the oppressive force of a Golden Core true master pressing down on him so heavily that he could barely stand straight.

Beads of sweat formed on Wang Chen’s forehead.

His injuries were severe, and he could hardly withstand such pressure, relying solely on sheer willpower to keep from collapsing.

After a long pause, Guan Shengping finally spoke. "Forget it."

The Golden Core true master withdrew his oppressive force, his expression one of disappointment, as if a favorite toy had been broken.

He waved his hand dismissively. "You need not come here anymore."

It was clear that Guan Shengping had lost all interest in Wang Chen.

"Yes."

Wang Chen lowered his head, coughing as he slowly backed out of the hall.

After he left, a middle-aged cultivator quietly appeared beside Guan Shengping.

Without turning his head, Guan Shengping asked, "What do you think?"

The middle-aged cultivator pondered for a moment. "A dilemma."

"A dilemma?"

Guan Shengping chuckled. "Indeed, it truly is a dilemma."

After a moment of thought, the Golden Core true master said, "The Exorcism division has no use for incompetents. He has accumulated quite a few Immortal merits. Let him redeem his contracts himself, then assign him to some quiet post."

He emphasized the word "quiet."

The middle-aged cultivator bowed his head in obedience. "Understood."

As he complied, he felt a pang of pity—Wang Chen’s prospects were utterly ruined. Not only was he being expelled from the Exorcism division, but he was also being forced to relinquish his Immortal merits. It was a cruel blow indeed.

But pity aside, the middle-aged cultivator kept his emotions well hidden.

After all, he knew exactly what kind of person Guan Shengping was!