C368 Tragedy(1)

Woo Zhengyang didn't make any rash moves. If he was already surrounded, acting impulsively would be pointless. His decision proved to be the right one.

A shadowy figure emerged from the darkness, unaware of anyone else nearby, and approached Lo Mingzhi. They seemed to be exchanging words. The situation was unusual, and Woo Zhengyang was eager to know what they were discussing. Unfortunately, to be safe, he had positioned himself far from them, making it impossible to hear anything, no matter how hard he tried.

Moreover, the shadowy figure's clothing appeared to be some kind of special artifact, as Woo Zhengyang couldn't make out his appearance even in broad daylight. Soon, Woo Zhengyang noticed that Lo Mingzhi's lips weren't moving. Despite being so close, they were communicating through some secretive means, which made the situation even more mysterious.

Their exchange didn't last long before the shadowy figure departed. Lo Mingzhi continued to wander and eventually entered the range of the illusion array Woo Zhengyang had set up. However, Woo Zhengyang held back for the moment. Although he couldn't identify the shadowy figure, he sensed that this person was definitely more powerful than Lo Mingzhi. If the figure hadn't left yet and Woo Zhengyang acted, the consequences could be dire.

As Lo Mingzhi was about to exit the illusion array's range, Woo Zhengyang realized he couldn't hold back any longer. Even if the shadowy figure was still around, he had to take the risk. Time was short, and the opportunity was rare.

As the array activated, Lo Mingzhi's expression changed, and he fell into a frenzied state. Realizing that Lo Mingzhi was trapped in the illusion, Woo Zhengyang moved swiftly like a leopard, quickly reaching Lo Mingzhi's side.

By now, Lo Mingzhi had realized he was caught in the illusion. Although still affected, he managed to calm down, trying to break free while avoiding the array's influence. He didn't understand the intricacies of arrays, but with his Shape Gathering Stage cultivation, he could rely on sheer force to break it, which was why Woo Zhengyang was so eager.

Vital Spirit Giant Hands pounded the ground, causing the entire area to tremble. If Woo Zhengyang hadn't set up a sound-dampening array, the noise from Lo Mingzhi's attempts to break free would have alerted others.

There was no time to hesitate. The No Life Sword was already in Woo Zhengyang's hand. He immediately used the second move of the Ink Night Sword Washing Arts: Sword Light Transforms into Star Traces! Woo Zhengyang was all about speed. His martial will had advanced, and his sword force was much stronger, making this move second nature to him.

Sword lights imbued with the power of Nine Nether Ice shot out like brilliant blue meteors, slicing through the air, aiming straight at Lo Mingzhi. The influence of the sword force amplified Woo Zhengyang's sword skill significantly, allowing the Heaven and Earth Vital Energy to flow effortlessly, even becoming an aid to his attack.

Lo Mingzhi was trapped in an illusion array, unable to see what was happening outside. However, given his advanced stage, his battle experiences far surpassed those of Woo Zhengyang. Even without sight, he sensed Zhengyang's attack. Instinctively, he summoned a Vital Spirit Giant Hand to intercept the incoming sword force.

"Pop..."

Both the Vital Spirit Giant Hand and the sword force shattered simultaneously, scattering like stardust. Zhengyang had anticipated that his first strike might not succeed. Facing a formidable opponent at the Shape Gathering Stage, he knew each of his attacks needed to be at full strength.

As he infused the No Life Sword with vital energy, Zhengyang's left hand was already prepared, launching a punch. It was the Tyrannical Mountain Shattering Fist at its Perfection Stage! After honing his martial will, it wasn't just effective for swordplay but enhanced all his attacks. When he executed the Floating Light Step, even though it was at the Great Completion Stage, the influence of Heaven and Earth Vital Energy made him faster than ever before.

The same applied to his punch. The Tyrannical Mountain Shattering Fist prioritized momentum, and with the added force of the Profound Heaven Fire Power, its impact was exponentially increased. Despite Lo Mingzhi's strength, the illusion array's effects were significant, leaving him unable to dodge Zhengyang's punch that followed the sword skill.

The fiery red punch, as if forged from flames, struck fiercely at Lo Mingzhi's core.

“Ugh…”

Lo Mingzhi coughed up a mouthful of blood and was sent flying backward. Despite his injuries, he didn’t forget his main task: breaking the illusion array, which was his biggest obstacle.

His vital energy surged around him, forming a giant hand that struck with tangible force against the surrounding space.

“Crack…”

“Crack…”

“Crack…”

The power of the illusion array finally gave way, and three of its flags shattered in succession, causing the array to vanish.

“It’s you!” Lo Mingzhi shouted angrily as the illusion dissipated, revealing Woo Zhengyang.

Woo Zhengyang said nothing in response. His sword, filled with energy once more, slashed toward Lo Mingzhi. Without the illusion array, Woo Zhengyang unleashed the first move of the Ink Night Sword Washing Arts: Concealing the Sword in the Night.

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