Chapter 604

Chapter 604: Stunning Counterattack

In terms of power, Zhu Xian and Shi Shen each had their strengths. A single strike from Zhu Xian either killed or gravely wounded. Even survivors would face relentless pursuit, suffering near-certain devastation.

Shi Shen’s methods proved fatal by the time victims realized they’d been struck—escape became impossible.

Both assassin organizations boasted staggering success rates. Once marked, targets rarely escaped.

Fang Lie had only survived his last encounter due to the old bird’s protection and Mo Sect’s protective array. Without these, death would’ve been inevitable.

The previous ambush bore Zhu Xian’s signature, though mobilizing all Semi-Immortals and Ninth-Rank treasures seemed unlikely. Shi Shen’s involvement appeared probable—historical precedents showed their collaboration against formidable targets.

Regardless, the lethal curse deployed against Fang Lie aligned with Zhu Xian’s expertise, explaining his direct confrontation with them now.

After half a month’s wait, the prey finally surfaced. Though ambushed, Fang Lie grinned at the distant black-robed figure. "Finally crawled out of hiding, have you? How would you like to die today?"

The assassin froze, startled by Fang Lie’s composure and swift counter-detection. Recovering quickly, he sneered, "Winning the Celestial Platform Competition made you arrogant, boy. Let this elder teach you humility!"

His aura erupted, unleashing terrifying spiritual pressure that hurled bystanders backward.

Spectators gaped in shock—a Thunder Tribulation Immortal from Zhu Xian had hidden among them! Hundreds scrambled away in panic.

Yet several golden-winged figures with golden-silver eyes charged against the fleeing crowd—Fang Lie’s blood clones, concealed earlier.

The Thunder Tribulation Immortal’s eyes narrowed. "A trap? Few clones think to kill me?"

"More than enough for vermin like you," Fang Lie’s true body retorted, casually sipping wine without glancing up.

Enraged, the assassin whirled to attack—too late.

The nearest clone traced a glowing sigil midair. "Freeze!"

The Thunder Tribulation Immortal stiffened, body and soul paralyzed.

Other clones teleported nearby, golden wings blazing as they unleashed Void Space Annihilation Slashes. Blood essence and primordial spirits burned to fuel sword rays that split the void, revealing chaotic dimensional storms.

At full mobility, the assassin could’ve escaped miles away. Now, immobilized, he watched helplessly as sword rays sliced him apart. His severed head managed a final rasp: "Why…can’t I…move?" before vanishing into closing spatial cracks.

Onlookers stared, dumbstruck. A Zhu Xian elite—equivalent to major sects’ strongest—had fallen to mere clones!

"Since when does Fang Lie slaughter Thunder Tribulation Immortals like chickens?!"

"Those clones tore through void space! No wonder his flesh failed!"

"Why didn’t he dodge? Mind-controlled?"

"Must be! Who’d stand still otherwise?"

"New technique? Not seen at the Celestial Platform Competition!"

"Likely his champion reward. With such control and attack power, regular Thunder Tribulation Immortals can’t touch him!"

Indeed, the immobilizing Freezing Technique came from Celestial Platform’s rewards—an adapted Immortal magic. The platform’s treasures offered endless divine skills, even tailored ones.

Fang Lie’s arsenal already covered speed (Divine Phoenix Golden Wings), perception (Heaven and Earth Divine Eye, Void Eye), offense (Fire Bird Technique, Void Space Annihilation Slash, Past King Fist, Ever-Burning Soul Flame), and support (Healing Art, Blood Clone Technique, Sending-Home Art, Nirvana Fire Seed resurrection). His sole weakness—control—had been patched.

High-level cultivators relied on lightning reflexes to flee danger. Fang Lie’s new skill neutralized this: divine sense lock, a sigil’s flick, and "Freeze!" Even Thunder Tribulation Immortants froze momentarily—enough for lethal strikes.

Three skills combined flawlessly: clones swarmed, Freezing Technique immobilized, Void Space Annihilation Slash finished. All while Fang Lie’s true body lounged, commanding the battle effortlessly.

Yet post-victory, unease lingered.

The old bird’s warning came: "Zhu Xian never sends one. Another’s cursing you via formation!"

"Where?" Fang Lie demanded.

"That direction. Under a thousand li."

Fang Lie’s Twin Eyes of Heaven and Earth flared, Void Eye piercing through veils. A hidden subspace emerged—mile-wide, housing black-clad figures around an altar. A straw effigy bore Fang Lie’s name and birthdate.

As chants rose, foreboding gripped his heart—the Great Will itself whispered of impending doom.