Chapter 1200: Chapter 340: Achieving the Fourth Layer of Power, Life-and-Death Struggle for the Heavenly Mechanism

Feng Haiyang’s "Dull Pill Yin Axe" can absorb the Essence Blood of any cultivator it slays, but after chopping Luo Qingyu into two halves, it did not gain the slightest benefit. Feng realized something was amiss. Upon closer inspection, he noticed there was no fresh blood flowing from the severed parts; instead, threads of green emerged as the halves were drawn together, merging seamlessly as if nothing had happened. With a shout, Luo transformed into a green tunneling light and flew away.

This was the Divine Skill known as "Void Primordial Life Qi," capable of rejoining severed bodies and regrowing flesh. Even if the head were severed, it could be reattached. However, this technique consumes considerable mana, so after employing it, Luo Qingyu was too weak to continue fighting and had to withdraw from the battle.

Feng Haiyang was about to pursue when a sword light suddenly flew in, swift as lightning, impossible to dodge. In a flash, his head was sliced off. The sword light circled back and divided into countless strands, slicing the corpse into pieces that fell into the Tribulation Water below, vanishing without a trace.

Xun Huaiying focused his mind, dispersing the Tribulation Water. In that moment, the outside world fell into sudden silence, the sound and light vanished, and his heart and spirit became clear and transparent, akin to a Water Mirror.

"One Thought Heart Sword" is a secret technique from the Slaughter Sword Lineage, allowing one to sense qi and connect to the spirit. Once the enemy’s location is found, a mere thought can strike them down with a sword. If Feng Haiyang wishes to manifest his form, it will inevitably trigger the spiritual mechanism, and when he reappears, the sword will strike.

It seemed like ages had passed, but it was only a brief instant when the sword ball suddenly shook violently, and a barely perceptible spiritual mechanism emerged from within the Heart Sea.

Xun Huaiying’s eyes widened, his heart and spirit reacted, and instantly, a piercing Sword Intent that pierced the blue sky permeated the entire area.

Almost simultaneously, thirty-two zhang away, a section of Tribulation Water abruptly parted, and a faint, nearly inaudible cry of agony emerged from within.

With this sword strike, it felt as if Essence Qi, Spirit, and God were completely drained, leaving his body hollow and devoid. Even Controlling Qi to Fly became difficult. He begrudgingly lifted his eyelids to look forward, only to see the Demonic Qi within the Tribulation Water seemed to lose its control, gradually dissipating.

Is it done?

Zhang Yan’s expression not only didn’t relax but became somewhat solemn. Though the sword seemed effective and even the Forbidden Locking Heaven and Earth Skill dispersed, he still sensed the formidable enemy’s presence remained. At this moment, an inexplicable feeling stirred within his spirit, and he turned back hurriedly shouting, "Daoist Xun, be careful!"

As his voice sounded, a Devil suddenly emerged beside Xun Huaiying, tearing open a bloodthirsty maw, laughing maniacally as it lunged to bite.

Zhang Yan knowing that Xun was unable to fend off enemies after the sword strike due to their promise to safeguard him stood ready. With a flick of his finger, a drop of Xuanming Heavy Water flew out, and with a "clang," repelled the Devil a few steps. Then, with a wave of his sleeve, a Gang Wind rose, utilizing his vast mana to whisk it several li away.

Though they were now safe, Zhang still did not dare to relax. Channeling his mana, the Gang Cloud above his head thundered, releasing a voluminous water light that spread out, resembling countless rivers and whirlpools, generating an immense pulling force capable of slowing any incoming Dharma Treasure or Devils.

At this moment, the Tribulation Water spun, and Feng Haiyang’s figure manifested from within. He stood on the water, his clothes fluttering in the wind, appearing completely unharmed. He stared at Xun Huaiying for a moment, recalling something, and remarked with a sense of nostalgia, "Master Xun, remarkable swordsmanship."

He was able to evade the "One Thought Heart Sword" for good reason.

Years ago, he battled Ban Shaoming of the Shaoqing Sect, and the opponent finally used this sword. However, Ban at that time seemed not yet fully adept, unable to wield it freely. Feng managed to narrowly escape, and from there, glimpsed some of its mysteries, thus always prepared in advance. If not for this, the outcome would be hard to predict.

Huo Xuan’s heart sank; currently among the four there, at least two were rendered powerless, making it almost impossible to slay this person. It seemed the only option left was to withdraw through the Star Stone route.

Suddenly, Feng Haiyang smiled. With a raise of his hand, three Devils flew from behind him, rushing towards Huo Xuan, Zhang Yan, and Xun Huaiying. Then with a step, he soared into the air, turning into a Yellow Smoke, breaking through the sky to fly towards the direction Luo Qingyu previously fled!

Seeing Xun Huaiying protected by Zhang Yan and his mana not likely to recover shortly, Feng decisively abandoned the notion of killing and turned to seek another prey, truly maximizing the advantage of maneuverability and unpredictability to the extreme.

This move was so sudden that Zhang Yan couldn’t react in time. Huo Xuan, though aware, found the Netherworld Escape Technique incredibly fast, comparable to Flying Sword light. He was powerless, and in just a few breaths, fell far behind.