BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

On the edge of the dense forest, the ceaseless roar of colliding Astral Force echoed. Crimson Flame and Rock Power clashed violently, turning a large swath of woodland into scorched earth and rubble.

....

Meanwhile, Chen Qing had already galloped several miles away. He glanced back at the distant pillar of radiant Gang Qi and the faint roars, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

’Yu He... This grudge is now set in stone!’

However, just as he crested a low hill, four figures suddenly appeared, blocking his path.

The man in the lead was tall and powerfully built—it was none other than Lu Da of the Earth Element Sect!

The three men beside him were also dressed as elite disciples of the Earth Element Sect. Their temples bulged, their auras were heavy and stable, and their gazes were sharp. All of them were experts at the Late-stage Embracing Pill realm. The aura of one, in particular, was exceptionally powerful—he had already reached Embracing Pill Power Perfection!

"Brother Chen, why the rush?"

Lu Da’s voice boomed like a great bell as he forced a smile. "Our Elder Yu has extended an invitation. He would like Junior Brother Chen to accompany us to the Earth Element Sect for a cup of hot tea and a chat about old times."

Chen Qing reined in his Yellow Steed, which reared up on its hind legs with a sharp neigh.

Seated firmly on his horse, he scanned the four men before him, sneering inwardly.

’Tea?’

’More like a deadly trap!’

’Once I step foot in the Earth Element Sect, the Earth Essence Marrow Pearl being exposed would be the least of my worries. I’d be like a fish on the chopping block, my life and death completely in their hands.’

’For now, I just need to get back to the Wutai Sect. The sect’s leadership will ensure justice is served.’

"Tea?"

A cold smile touched Chen Qing’s lips. "I have no relationship with Elder Yu, and the Wutai Sect and the Earth Element Sect have always minded our own business. I’m afraid that’s a cup of tea I can’t afford to drink."

The smile on Lu Da’s face vanished instantly, replaced by a grim expression. "Chen Qing, the Elder’s invitation is a show of respect. Don’t refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit! You know exactly what happened at Black Water Pier! Today, you’re coming with us, whether you want to or not!"

"And if I refuse?" Chen Qing’s voice was calm, but it held a bone-chilling cold.

"Then don’t blame us for being impolite!" Lu Da bellowed, exchanging a look with the other three.

In an instant, the auras of all four men erupted!

Lu Da slammed his palms together, and a surge of earthy yellow True Qi, as heavy as a mountain, poured out as he launched the first attack!

He cultivated the orthodox Heart Method of the Earth Element Sect. Although it couldn’t compare to Yu He’s Astral Force, his power was still ferocious, and his palm strike carried a crushing Momentum.

The other three attacked simultaneously, their coordination flawless.

The one at Embracing Pill Power Perfection wielded a pair of Iron Short Halberds. With a whistle of air, he thrust them straight at Chen Qing’s ribs from both sides—a Cunning, Ruthless, and Fierce angle!

Of the two remaining at Late-stage Embracing Pill, one drew his blade and swept it toward the horse’s legs, while the other leaped into the air, his fist descending like a meteor toward the top of Chen Qing’s skull!

Their combined assault sealed off all of Chen Qing’s escape routes. Their killing intent was palpable; they were clearly fighting to kill. Even if they couldn’t bring him back, they were determined to execute Chen Qing on the spot!

After all, Chen Qing was no nameless weakling; they didn’t dare hold back.

An icy glint exploded in Chen Qing’s eyes. The killing intent in his heart could no longer be suppressed!

Facing the four-pronged assault, he neither dodged nor retreated. Instead, he shot into the air like a hawk, not only evading the attacks aimed at his mount but also seizing the initiative from a superior position!

A deep, majestic roar, like that of a tiger and an elephant combined, erupted from within him. His skin took on a faint bronze sheen, and his qi and blood blazed like a furnace!

He instantly activated his Eight Extremes Vajra Body!

Simultaneously, Cyan Wood True Qi surged into his Cloud-Coiling Spear!

Mountain Prison-Suppression Spear! Breaking Mountains and Dividing Territory!

Still in mid-air, Chen Qing twisted his waist and unleashed his power. The Cloud-Coiling Spear let out a terrifying, air-rending roar as it transformed into a ferociously violent black arc, sweeping outward with unstoppable momentum!

This single spear strike contained the terrifying brute force of his Eight Extremes Vajra Body and the potent True Qi flowing through his Eleven Orthodox Meridians. It was the epitome of savage, domineering power!

BOOM! CRACK!

The first to be hit was the man who had leaped up to punch him. His fist collided with the spear’s shaft, but it was like an egg smashing against a stone. His knuckles instantly shattered. With a pained shriek, he was sent flying by an indescribable force, spewing blood. He crashed into a large tree, snapping it in two before slumping to the ground.

The Earth Element Sect expert aiming for the horse’s legs was scared witless. Before his blade could even touch the horse, the terrifying gale from the spear was already upon him. He had no choice but to desperately whip his blade back to block!

CLANG—!

A deafening clang of metal on metal exploded outward!

The disciple felt an irresistible force travel up his blade. The webbing between his thumb and forefinger instantly tore open, gushing blood. The long saber was ripped from his grasp, and his entire body felt as if it had been struck by a sledgehammer. His sternum caved in as he was sent flying several yards, landing without a sound.

In the blink of an eye, Chen Qing landed, his movements not pausing for an instant!

Lu Da’s massive palm and the Perfection expert’s twin halberds were already upon him!

Mountain-Breaking Rainbow Piercing!

Like a venomous dragon striking from its lair, Chen Qing’s Cloud-Coiling Spear shot forward, aimed perfectly at the center of Lu Da’s palm!

The highly condensed cyan light at the spear’s tip held a sharpness that could pierce through anything!

Lu Da’s expression changed drastically. The Power from the spear tip felt incredibly condensed, making his own heavy Palm Power feel insubstantial, as if it had nothing to push against. Worse, a peerlessly sharp Power threatened to pierce straight through his palm!

He frantically channeled all his True Qi, changing his palm strike to a press, attempting to use his profound True Qi to force the spear tip aside.

But in the instant before spear and palm made contact, Chen Qing’s wrist gave an imperceptible flick!

The tip of the Cloud-Coiling Spear moved as if alive, tracing a minute arc that masterfully evaded the point of greatest force in Lu Da’s palm. It scraped past the edge of his hand and stabbed forward!

PSHCHT!

Although the spear tip didn’t pierce the center of his palm, its fierce glint had already slashed through Lu Da’s Protective True Qi, tearing a gash in his arm so deep that the bone was visible!