Chapter 432

"Heavenly Tribulation."

The Flame-Treading Red Jackal murmured.

And Yunhe's gaze also fell upon that extraordinarily radiant five-colored phoenix.

Then he saw that the five-colored phoenix's five-colored feathers became even brighter and more solid, as if it had undergone a heavenly tribulation and experienced a rebirth.

More importantly, at this moment the five-colored phoenix was bathed in golden thunderlight, which not only made it look even more sacred, but also, like the un-released heavenly thunder within the tribulation clouds, was filled with a mighty aura.

It is clear that forcibly breaking through the tribulation clouds not only enabled it to successfully survive the tribulation, but the heavenly thunder within the clouds also further strengthened its 'Heavenly Thunder Power'.

Yunhe smiled slightly and raised his hand.

Cree!!

The five-colored phoenix bird in the air seemed to have received some summons; it spread its wings, and after a few flaps, while leaving a gorgeous arc of light in the air, it came to Yunhe's side.

Chirp—

Hmph!

Earlier, the Flame-Treading Crimson Jackal was so arrogant; to say he had no fire in his heart would be impossible.

As an artifact spirit, Gorgeous Colors knew Yunhe's thoughts very well; to say the sword follows the heart is a simple description.

As for the name of this set of his natal magic treasure artifact spirit, Yunhe had already decided upon seeing the manifested illusion of the five-colored phoenix.

Countless sword threads scraped the light barrier, emitting a crisp sound like pearls and jade falling onto a jade plate!

Let you say a few more words, and you're actually out of breath?

The Flame-Treading Crimson Jackal opposite him now had a tense face.

You!

But as Yunhe's natal magic treasure, its affection for Yunhe comes from the heart.

Five colored streams of light flew out with golden tails, suddenly rising into extremely sharp five-colored sword qi, which then instantly burst open, transforming into countless sword qi threads numbering in the tens of thousands, almost filling the entire sky.

Pfft!!

Strand after strand of fine sword threads, continuous and unending.

What he most wants to do now is to test the power of this set of his natal magic treasure.

However, Yunhe's expression remained unchanged, and he simply said lightly:

Noisy.

At the same time, Yunhe's eyes narrowed slightly as he flicked a finger.

Roar!!

Gorgeous Colors!

The Flame-Treading Crimson Jackal let out a long howl, and the vermilion-red pearl before it surged with crimson color once again.

Just a second ago, it had been constantly mocking Yunhe for only being able to shrink back in defense with no means of counterattack, but now its heart inexplicably rose with a hint of tension and threat.

After the Flame-Treading Crimson Jackal reacted, it was briefly stunned, but quickly overwhelmed by anger.

Above it, the colors of the Five Elements shifted, condensing into the Five Elements: wood gives birth to fire, fire gives birth to earth, earth gives birth to metal, metal gives birth to water.

Old Demon Yun, do you think only you have defensive methods?

Water overcomes fire—this is the most basic law of the Way of the Five Elements.

He has never been the type to just take hits without striking back.

Moreover, it was accompanied by a large amount of flashing firelight, with sparks scattering in all directions.

Spiritual awareness just born.

Wood is the beginning of the Five Elements.

Seeing this, the Flame-Treading Crimson Jackal secretly let out a breath of relief.

The countless crimson jackals formed from flames wrapped around sand and gravel, under the sweeping of these sword threads, shattered like foam in an instant, more than half broken.

A crisp call echoed in Yunhe's mind.

Hum—

Go!

It seemed as if an invisible ancient black turtle raised its head and let out a long cry.

Five Elements Sword Formation!

As a veteran demon beast of the Fourth Level mid-stage that has lived for thousands of years, how could it possibly fear a mere early Nascent Soul cultivator?

Ao!!

I actually became afraid?

Five Five-Elements Heavenly Thunder Swords instantly appeared together.

Master—

The illusion of the five-colored phoenix suddenly dissipated, transforming into five Five-Elements Heavenly Thunder Swords that hovered around Yunhe with great ease.

Yet see, Yunhe changed his sword gesture with his hand, and the chaotic sword threads filling the sky actually formed a huge sword formation!

On each strand of crimson hair, fine patterns flickered into being, transforming into a dark-red light shield that tightly protected it.

Seeing this, the Flame-Treading Crimson Jackal's face sank, and amid the flickering of its demonic power, a peculiar heavy fur armor of fiery red appeared on its body.

Water is the end of the Five Elements.

Rumble—

In the void, a surging water sound seemed to be heard, and the black turtle lunged toward the crimson light shield of the Flame-Treading Crimson Jackal!

Strands of sword qi dissipated, yet quickly re-condensed; numerous strange spiritual patterns flashed and vanished, as the water flow and fire scorched, evaporated.

Much said, but in fact this collision only took a moment, and the Flame-Treading Crimson Jackal's protection quickly became perilous.

This time, the Flame-Treading Crimson Jackal had no chance to say anything; its demonic qi surged suddenly, and it resumed its demonic form.

Ao!!

A red jackal clad in thick crimson fur appeared.

It opened its mouth and swallowed the vermilion pearl, then immediately roared again; a terrifying wave of fire surged outward centered on it, attempting to counter the sword formation's might.

Not bad.

Yunhe narrowed his eyes and couldn't help but voice his admiration.

If it were to be slain just like that, this fourth-level mid-stage demon beast would be far too weak.

Yunhe's expression grew solemn, and the sword seal in his hand shifted again.

The already extraordinarily fierce sword formation suddenly became elusive and unpredictable.

From the Blazing Flame Red Jackal's perspective, it seemed to behold the vast heavens and stars spread before it.

Each sword filament resembled a star, turning by an inscrutable wondrous method, its flight path impossible to grasp, only feeling countless threats ever at its side.

"What kind of sword formation is this?!"

The Blazing Flame Red Jackal had been able to sneak silently into the Fan family's mountain-protecting grand formation; while it certainly relied on external aids, it also possessed some attainments in formation arts.

As a demon race, to have attainments in formation arts, the Blazing Flame Red Jackal must have devoted considerable time and effort.

Yet even so, upon seeing the sword formation Yunhe displayed, it could find no clue at all.

The earlier 'Five Elements Sword Formation' was still somewhat understandable; although extraordinarily wondrous, it at least allowed some clues to be discerned.

But now the sword formation

Pfft!

Suddenly.

At the moment the Blazing Flame Red Jackal briefly lost focus, a fine blood-red thread appeared on its body, immediately followed by a surge of scalding blood.

When?!

The Blazing Flame Red Jackal abruptly turned its head to look at one of its forelimbs, seeing that the scorching flame light remained, yet a patch of its sturdy fur had inexplicably broken, and a wound appeared there.

With its fourth-level mid-stage demon beast body, plus its formidable demonic power and fur as hard as metal, it still couldn't block it?

You know.

This is merely a single filament of sword qi!

The Blazing Flame Red Jackal's expression turned grim, and it already felt the urge to retreat.

Originally I thought the 'Warrior Demon Armor' was Yunhe's confidence against them, but who would have thought this set of spiritual treasures would be so terrifying!

It almost subconsciously glanced at the Wind-Swallowing Beast's defensive line.

Yet it saw the Wind-Swallowing Beast, though pressing the Gold-Toothed Armored Beast in battle, but because of the formation's existence, it was not so easy to free its hands.

Without the Wind-Swallowing Beast's assistance.

"It seems we can only retreat for now; this person is merely at the early Nascent Soul stage, but the strength of his magical treasures, spiritual treasures, and formation techniques is such that likely only a late Fourth Level demon tribe could subdue him, and we should first inform the southern side, then later decide."

The Blazing Flame Red Jackal's eyes narrowed, thoughts flashing like lightning; at the instant the wound appeared on its body, it made the decision to retreat.

However.

"This red jackal is just cunning, seeing the situation turn bad it wants to flee?"

Yunhe instantly saw through the Blazing Flame Red Jackal's thoughts.

"Want to come, then come; want to leave, then leave?"

His gaze instantly turned icy, and his vast mana began to pour forth without reservation.

Strike!

Fourth Level medium-grade spiritual treasure Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Sword, combined with the 'Five Elements Sharp Sword Qi', plus the advanced 'Five Elements Sword Formation', the first layer of the 'Formless Sword Formation', and part of the comprehended 'Twelve Heavens Stars Grand Formation'!

How could the might of such sword techniques and formations be so simple?

Pfft-pfft-pfft!!

Fine blood lines began to appear on the Blazing Flame Red Jackal's body!

At this moment it was as if caught in a tornado filled with blades; its whole body was almost instantly drenched in scalding blood.

The Blazing Flame Red Jackal was horrified.

It had previously thought it had already regarded this sword formation highly enough, but only now did it finally understand.

Under this sword formation, likely neither a late Fourth Level demon beast nor protection by a high-grade Fourth Level magical treasure could keep one safe!

At this moment, it had no hesitation.

Originally it was still considering whether to first help the Wind-Swallowing Beast escape before retreating, after all they came together and have cooperated seamlessly for thousands of years, but now it realizes this is no longer a matter of whether to honor loyalty; rather, if it runs even a little slower, it will die!

It suddenly drew a deep breath, and upon the flying splashes of blood, faint patterns immediately appeared, as if it were employing some divine ability.

Huh?

Yunhe, upon seeing those faint patterns, instinctively froze.

That is... the 'Dragon Scale Pattern'?

Who would have thought that a mere jackal like the Blazing Flame Red Jackal could even grasp a hint of the Dragon Scale Pattern's spiritual intent?

Next moment.

Boom!!

The Blazing Flame Red Jackal's entire body exploded like a blood-colored balloon, the surging blood instantly igniting, even stronger than before.

Yunhe instantly came to, his eyes narrowing, and as his powerful divine sense swept out, he shouted:

Where do you think you're going!

Mmm!

Accompanied by a muffled groan, the seemingly weak Blazing Flame Red Jackal actually revealed its form in midair not far away, it stared in shock at Yunhe, eyes full of disbelief.

That powerful divine sense attack was bearable enough, but the secret technique it just employed involved the power of the void!

This is the supreme secret technique transmitted by that existence; it has been its means of self-preservation, allowing it to come and go freely in dangerous places for years, and it is the confidence that lets it dare to go anywhere.

Indeed.

It was actually broken just like that?

"Blood Substitution Technique, Dragon Scale Pattern." Yunhe's eyes flashed with spiritual light as he stared fixedly at the Flame-Stepping Crimson Wolf, as if looking at a treasure mountain hiding secrets, "You have successfully aroused this seat's interest."

While speaking, he raised his hand.

He turned his finger into a sword.

"Go!"

Sword qi filled the sky like a long dragon, rushing straight forth.

At the same time, Yunhe lightly brushed his other hand over his waist storage pouch, pinching a peculiar talisman between two fingers, which he ignited with a puff, letting it fall onto the sword formation.

Soul-body talisman, water technique!

"Ang!!"

In an instant.

Countless sword qi and sword threads instantly manifested into a giant Xuanwu wearing black armor, which bore a six- or seven-tenths resemblance to Yunhe's demonic beast form.

A loud, long howl rang out, shaking the universe.

And upon seeing this giant Xuanwu, the Flame-Stepping Crimson Wolf's face was filled with terror.

What other means does it have?!

It turned its head, preparing to flee again.

However, a powerful divine sense slammed heavily into its sea of consciousness.

Seek Immortal, Fallen God's Gift!

The Flame-Stepping Crimson Wolf's huge body momentarily stiffened in place.

And the manifested giant Xuanwu was not slow at all; seizing the opportunity, it instantly appeared above the Flame-Stepping Crimson Wolf and came down hard with its raised tortoise foot.

By the time the Flame-Stepping Crimson Wolf came to its senses, it was already too late.

Its eyes were about to burst, shouting, "Swallow-Wind, you have betrayed me!"

If it weren't for the Swallow-Wind Beast suddenly catching Yunhe's scent, it shouldn't have appeared here; its original destination was the Golden Mountain Temple.

Hiss!!

The flames engulfing the Flame-Stepping Crimson Wolf's body were instantly extinguished, and its body was also drawn again into the endless sword qi's killing grind.

"Die!"

Yunhe's face showed a hint of ferocity as he let out a fierce shout.

He pressed down hard with his palm from above.

"No——"

The painful long cry came to an abrupt halt!

After the manifested Xuanwu's spirit body dissipated, the endless sword qi and threads gradually faded, returning to the original five Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Swords.

Surrounded by the five flying swords, the lifeless body of the Flame-Stepping Crimson Wolf hovered within.

To be frank.

In Yunhe's view, demonic beasts are actually easier to kill than cultivators and other races.

When cultivators are driven to desperation, they either flee using a desperate secret technique or escape with their final Nascent Soul; likewise, the Abyssal Race has the Soul Infant Transformation Silk method, transforming into myriad forms to escape; if they haven't made sufficient preparations beforehand, they are extraordinarily hard to kill.

Although the demon race was previously endowed with strong bodies and long lifespans, making them individually stronger than cultivators of the same realm and other races, they lack comparable life-preserving methods such as Nascent Soul escape or Soul Infant Transformation Silk.

If it weren't for this Flame-Stepping Crimson Wolf rarely mastering the supreme life-preserving secrets of Blood Substitution Technique and Dragon Scale Pattern, Yunhe probably wouldn't need to unleash the Soul-body talisman, nor use divine sense secret arts to slay it.

However, after this battle, Yunhe gained a more accurate assessment of his current strength.

Originally, his biggest shortcoming was killing power; he had life-preserving Ice Phoenix Wings and Cloud Escape Talisman, defensive Subdue Demon Armor and the versatile Beast Soul Banner, but his natal magic treasure, the Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Sword, somewhat hindered his ability to slay opponents.

It's not that the Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Sword isn't strong; among cultivators of the same realm, it is absolutely considered an excellent magic treasure.

But the opponents Yunhe faces are no longer cultivators of the same realm—they are either mid-stage Nascent Soul or mid-stage Fourth Level, even late-stage Nascent Soul or late-stage Fourth Level powerful beings—thus the Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Sword appears somewhat lacking.

But after this period of secluded cultivation.

The Five Elements Spirit Body was successfully condensed, his cultivation base reaching the peak of early Nascent Soul, resulting in a tremendous boost to his overall strength.

Furthermore, the Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Sword advanced to middle-grade Fourth Level, and awakening its artifact spirit intelligence made it a spirit treasure, greatly compensating for the shortcoming.

It is believed that after condensing the Five Elements Spirit Body, refining the Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Sword will further increase its advancement speed.

Of course, since he decided to strengthen the sword with Void Essence, Yunhe will not give it up, only he is not so eager about it.

Moreover.

During this tribulation crossing, he forcibly cut the tribulation clouds and absorbed the thunder broth; once the Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Sword completely digests and absorbs that Heavenly Thunder Power, its might will surely increase further.

"Flame-Stepping Crimson Wolf is a demonic beast; if it were a Yuan Ying Cultivator, it would probably be even harder to withstand the sword formation's might."

"At mid-stage Nascent Soul and below, I should have few rivals."

Such strength.

In the present Eastern Border Cultivation World, where major events occur frequently, this can be considered a certain self-preservation capability.

Even.

It can even have spare strength to protect a region.

"I almost forgot, there's still another guy." Yunhe came to his senses.

(End of chapter)