novelraw Chapter 957: Fourth Miss Zhao Is Dying of Jealousy
Chapter 957: Fourth Miss Zhao Is Dying of Jealousy
To inflict fatal damage on them, either pierce their heart meridian with a single sword strike, shatter their residual soul with powerful Qi, or sever their limbs so they can’t move freely. But don’t forget, these Death Spirit Sword Slaves were high-level Sword Masters, even Tenth Rank Great Sword Masters, in their previous lives. They retain their combat responses and swordsmanship from when they were alive, making it very challenging to achieve these actions.Amidst the clashing sounds of metal, Mu Hanyan had already exchanged several moves with those three Death Spirit Sword Slaves.
Fortunately, Mu Hanyan had reached the Third Stage Sword Master level of cultivation. Although she didn’t have a good way to deal with them at the moment, her superior strength prevented her from being harmed by them.
However, Huayue and the others didn’t have her level of strength. Could they handle it? While wielding her longsword to fend off the joint onslaught from the three Death Spirit Sword Slaves, Mu Hanyan worriedly glanced at Huayue and the others.
Luckily, after advancing to Great Sword Master, the combat power of the three had doubled. Huayue’s ruthlessness, Zirong’s agility, and Jiang Yuzhe’s elusive attacks were all displayed to the fullest. Facing Death Spirit Sword Slaves at Sword Master First Rank, who were actually much stronger than ordinary Sword Master First Rank, the trio was at a disadvantage, forced to retreat repeatedly. However, they didn’t lose their composure and could still occasionally counterattack with a sword strike, forcing the opponent back a few steps and gaining a breather. It seemed they weren’t in immediate danger for now.
Zhang Chihua had also advanced to the Sword Master Realm. Because Patriarch Zhang had been very strict in his teachings, Zhang Chihua wasn’t a playboy like other noble family’s sons. He had been trained from a young age, and his actual combat experience was not weaker than Huayue’s and the others. His steady temperament made him realize that the opponent was too strong, and defeating them quickly was challenging. Hence, he prioritized self-preservation over defeating the enemy, maintaining an orderly offense and defense with minimal risk.
Mu Hanyan gradually relaxed. Although these Death Spirit Sword Slaves were not weak, she knew they had weaknesses. After all, they were just undead, with only a trace of their strong soul lingering in the world. Their bodies had long decayed, and their ability to absorb the Heaven and Earth Power was extremely slow. As time went on, their combat power would weaken.
This was also the crucial reason Xia Youchen and Fen Qianji were capable of holding their ground despite being surrounded.
By steadily preserving their strength without a rash attack, they could drag down their opponents. In the past, the allied forces of various countries used this strategy to easily defeat the undead army. First, they built fortresses to defensively secure themselves, waiting for the enemy to be exhausted, then delivering a thunderous blow.
Having made up her mind, Mu Hanyan wielded her sword with an unwavering balance between attack and defense.
"Mu Hanyan, who would’ve thought that in just a few months, you’ve gained such strength, and even your followers have improved so significantly." Witnessing the strength of Mu Hanyan and Huayue and others, Zhao Lingxian spoke with envy, secretly surprised.
Once upon a time, her talent and schemes far exceeded Mu Hanyan’s, keeping Mu Hanyan suppressed for years. A bit of conniving even caused Mu Hanyan to faint from anger, almost dying on the spot. Who would have thought that after surviving the ordeal, Mu Hanyan seemed to have a mental breakthrough, becoming a completely different person, causing Zhao Lingxian to suffer setbacks everywhere.
And it wasn’t just that. Within a little over a year, the so-called wastrel advanced from Swordman First Rank to Sword Master Third Rank and even had several formidable followers, while Zhao Fourth Miss lost her family and was forced into hiding by Mu Hanyan, turning into a stray dog. How could she not feel resentful and jealous?
"But unfortunately, this time, whatever you do won’t stop me. Don’t think I don’t know your plans. True, these Death Spirit Sword Slaves can’t last long, but do you think you have all the time in the world? Once I tame this Divine Beast, the only thing awaiting you is certain death." Calming her envy and resentment, Zhao Lingxian sneered and quickly executed a hand formation.
Lines of black talisman flew toward the Divine Beast. As the multicolored light before them flashed, the cocoon of light finally eroded into a crack, and the black talismans flew directly onto the beast.
In an instant, that Divine Beast stopped roaring, ceased struggling, and hung in mid-air as if petrified.
Oh no! Mu Hanyan felt a shock in her heart. Seeing the situation, without the cocoon of light’s protection, it wouldn’t take long before Zhao Lingxian subdued the beast.
Although she didn’t know exactly what method Zhao Lingxian was using, she guessed that it was likely an evil technique similar to the Death Spirit Soul-binding Technique. Such an evil technique couldn’t possibly compare with the Beast Taming Technique of Xia Youchen and Nian Anyao. The Divine Beast, once subdued, would likely face a significant drop in strength, similar to the Death Spirit Sword Slaves. Yet even with a drop in power, Mu Hanyan knew this beast was stronger than the Qiongqi Divine Beast, and not something she could contend with.
Realizing this, Mu Hanyan understood that her plan to wear down these Death Spirit Sword Slaves was futile. If Zhao Lingxian managed to tame this Divine Beast, what good would it do to exhaust even more Sword Slaves? Gritting her teeth, Mu Hanyan switched from defense to offense, launching a full attack on the three Death Spirit Sword Slaves facing her.
Huayue and the others bore solemn expressions and began their counterattack. Their strength was originally weaker than their opponents’, even Zhang Chihua was barely holding his ground. Once they shifted to offense, their vulnerabilities were quickly exposed, putting them in peril.
"Mu Hanyan, have you changed your mind? Unfortunately, this only means you’ll die faster." Zhao Lingxian laughed wildly, eyes full of hatred, gritting her teeth, "Mu Hanyan, your wisest choice now is to leave here, as far as you can, which allows you to live a few more days. Otherwise, soon, I’ll leave you suffering a fate worse than death."
Mu Hanyan’s heart sank slightly. Even with her strength, she couldn’t dispose of the three Death Spirit Sword Slaves quickly, and Huayue and the others were in a dire situation. Although Zhao Lingxian’s words were venomous, for her, leaving now indeed seemed like the wisest choice.
But Ye Lanfeng was still in that space rift. Who knew if he was in danger, how could she retreat?
Moreover, she couldn’t allow Zhao Lingxian to acquire the Divine Beast. Even she couldn’t predict the leap in Zhao Lingxian’s power once she acquired it. If Zhao Lingxian succeeded, Mu Hanyan might have to live away from Anyun in hiding for the rest of her life. What would happen to her parents, brother, and the Mu Family in Heishi City?
At this moment, retreat was not an option!
But what could she do to eliminate these accursed Death Spirit Sword Slaves? Staring at those lifeless, numb, fearless skeletal faces, Mu Hanyan burned with anxiety, practically shooting flames from her eyes.
"Fourth Miss Zhao, you’re wrong. There is a smarter choice, and that is to kill you!" Just then, Mu Hanyan heard Huayue’s cold voice.
Mu Hanyan glanced out of the corner of her eye, her face showing shock.