Chapter 433: Southern Border

The Swallow Wind Beast shuddered violently, simultaneously lashing out a gust of wind that struck the Gold‑Eating Armored Beast's body while gazing fearfully at Yunhe.

The Flame‑Trampling Red Jackal died?!

As the Swallow Wind Beast that had cooperated seamlessly with the Flame‑Trampling Red Jackal for nearly a thousand years, it knew better than anyone what force the latter commanded.

They had been allies since their Third‑Level monster beast days, and after breaking through to Fourth Level they cooperated even more closely thanks to the fire‑boosting‑wind, wind‑boosting‑fire effect.

Together, the two beasts had slain untold numbers of human Yuan Ying Cultivators and hunted many Fourth‑Level monster beasts.

It can be said that, if the two beasts cooperate, they can unleash a strength far greater than the sum of their parts.

However, Yunhe seemed to have anticipated this, using a formation to separate them.

Even so, the Swallow Wind Beast remained completely composed.

It did not think Yunhe could do anything to the Flame‑Trampling Red Jackal; although Yunhe had once bested the Extreme Joy Old Ancestor, the difference between monster beasts and cultivators gave them ample confidence, so even if they could not defeat Yunhe, they would face no danger themselves.

This confidence stemmed not only from their being monster beasts but also from the life‑saving secret techniques they possessed.

Yet the Swallow Wind Beast never imagined that the Flame‑Trampling Red Jackal would actually die!

A mighty Fourth‑Level mid‑stage monster beast was defeated so easily by an early‑stage Yuan Ying cultivator.

"That fast?"

Seeing the Swallow Wind Beast try to flee, he naturally entangled it at once.

Yunhe made some judgments about the portion of Dragon Scale Pattern power the Swallow Wind Beast possessed.

"It seems to be a Dragon Scale Pattern power specifically aimed at breaking formation seals."

However.

The Swallow Wind Beast gritted its teeth, its form suddenly shifting back to its true body.

The formation's barrier rippled violently.

Having offended him, he needed to be utterly slain for that resolve to truly take hold.

Yunhe likewise witnessed the scene of him slaying the Flame‑Trampling Red Jackal.

The Gold‑Eating Armored Beast, seeing the Swallow Wind Beast's posture, charged forward without hesitation.

An azure arc of light, wrapped in a fierce aura, instantly flew several li.

Frankly, the Gold‑Eating Armored Beast's heart was also filled with surprise.

"Stay here and wait for me."

"These two fellows each grasp a fragment of Dragon Scale Pattern power, and it differs from the portion I wield."

Know that the Inverted Five Elements Formation he laid down inherently possesses sealing power, but the Swallow Wind Beast's Dragon Scale Pattern secret art is of a higher tier, so it was forcibly squeezed out rather than breaking the formation, suffering considerable impact in the process.

The feathers of the Swallow Wind Beast, forcibly expelled from the formation, became streaked with blood, some even falling out, clearly indicating the considerable self‑inflicted injury.

"Red Jackal."

Speed—indeed it was fast enough.

He drew a Cloud Escape Talisman and slapped it onto himself.

Seeing this, Yunhe also felt quite surprised.

After great effort paying a huge price to escape the formation, the Swallow Wind Beast immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

But Yunhe had no intention of letting it go just yet.

But unlike the Swallow Wind Beast and the Flame‑Trampling Red Jackal, the Gold‑Eating Armored Beast had crossed blows with Yunhe before and, having followed him these years, had some grasp of his strength; thus, although surprised, it could still accept it.

Its appearance resembled a great eagle cloaked in deep‑blue feathers, surrounded by thick currents of air.

After leaving a word for the Gold‑Eating Armored Beast and the Cold Chant Flood Dragon among the monster beasts, Yunhe unfurled the Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Sword, flickered his form, and left in the air a snowy white trail drifting with falling snow.

Even when the Flame‑Trampling Red Jackal had fallen downwind and was preparing to flee, it too had been making preparations; now it unreservedly unleashed a secret art, transforming into an azure‑green arrow that shot straight into the formation's barrier.

Boom!!!

The tremendous roar was accompanied by violent shaking of the entire ground and vast stretches of desert.

Yet there was no sign of shattering.

The fact that both beasts could wield even a fragment of Dragon Scale Pattern power indicates that behind them stands a far stronger being who imparted these secret arts.

Whoosh—

In just a few breaths, Yunhe spotted the Swallow Wind Beast fleeing on the wind.

Dragon Scale Pattern!

Thus, at the instant the Swallow Wind Beast was squeezed out of the formation, Yunhe's back unfurled a pair of snow‑white wings with a soft puff.

At the same time, azure light surged over his body.

The Gold‑Eating Armored Beast's defense was merely stronger; the rest was nothing special.

Seeing this, strange patterns appeared on the Swallow Wind Beast's feathers, just as they had on the Flame‑Trampling Red Jackal before.

The Swallow Wind Beast actually seemed to struggle bitterly as it was squeezed out of the formation bit by bit.

It let out a long cry, fiercely flapped its wings, and unleashed a gust that overturned the Gold‑Eating Armored Beast.

The Swallow Wind Beast didn't even regard the Gold‑Eating Armored Beast as worth noticing.

"Trying to flee?"

Yet it dared not hesitate, flaring its wings and whipping up a gust of azure wind that shot straight toward the distance.

As long as no formation seal hindered it, with its flight speed plus secret‑art ability, it ought to be safe to flee.

Sensing Yunhe rapidly approaching, the Swallow Wind Beast felt a slight panic.

Although it knew Yunhe had once escaped the Thousand‑Wing Blood Mosquito, it believed its own divine abilities, combined with the void‑power secret art, would make its escape speed no slower than the mosquito's—so how could Yunhe still catch up?

Little did it know.

At this moment, Yunhe, compared with his former self who had fled the Thousand‑Wing Blood Mosquito, had vastly increased his strength.

What's more important.

"You and the Thousand-Wing Blood Mosquito are far off." Yunhe said mockingly.

The Wind-Swallowing Beast's bloodline isn't weak, but compared to the Thousand-Wing Blood Mosquito, such an ancient exotic species, the difference is far more than just a little.

Moreover.

Speaking of mastery of the Void Power within the Dragon Scale Pattern, the Wind-Swallowing Beast is also far behind Yunhe.

Upon hearing this, the Wind-Swallowing Beast almost spat blood.

But it could not refute at all.

Because Yunhe is indeed getting closer and closer to it.

It could only run with all its might.

Actually.

The Wind-Swallowing Beast's speed is still quite impressive.

As a wind-attribute demon beast, its speed exceeds that of most Fourth Level Mid-Stage demon beasts and Nascent Soul Mid-Stage cultivators, and by a lot.

But the nickname "Pao Lao Mo" is not earned in vain.

"That's it!"

Although Yunhe's slaying of the Blaze-Treading Red Jackal was brief, the Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Sword's lightning tribulation caused a great commotion, drawing considerable attention.

And as Yunhe's battle with two Fourth Level Mid-Stage demon beasts erupted, it further drew attention.

However, the commotion was too great, clearly a clash between Nascent Soul cultivators, deterring many from approaching.

But now, as the Wind-Swallowing Beast fled, even those cultivators who dared not approach finally saw the two sides locked in combat.

"Wind-Swallowing Beast?!"

As Southern Border cultivators, although the Wind-Swallowing Beast is hard to recognize, a few older cultivators still identified it.

The Wind-Swallowing Beast's reputation is considerable.

Having stirred up trouble in the Southern Border for so many years, countless cultivators fear or even dread it.

This is a bona fide Fourth Level Mid-Stage demon beast!

Even.

Most Nascent Soul Mid-Stage cultivators are no match for it.

Because before many Nascent Soul cultivators had formed their Nascent Soul or gained fame, the Wind-Swallowing Beast already roamed the Southern Border with the cultivation of a Fourth Level Mid-Stage demon beast.

It can be said that the Wind-Swallowing Beast's fame predates the lifespans of many Nascent Soul cultivators.

Such an existence, even limited by its demon nature, its power is not something ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators dare to provoke.

However.

Such a beast of fierce renown, now fleeing like a bereaved dog?

Who is hunting the Wind-Swallowing Beast?

Could it be the old monk of Cold Water Temple, a Late Nascent Soul cultivator?

Or maybe

But.

When everyone saw the figure swiftly pursuing the Wind-Swallowing Beast, displaying ice phoenix wings, they were all stunned.

This person

"Actually Nascent Soul Early Stage?!"

A Golden Core Perfected old man couldn't help but exclaim in astonishment.

He still thought his perception was mistaken.

But Yunhe's unrestrained aura told him this is Nascent Soul Early Stage.

A Nascent Soul Early Stage cultivator actually hunts a Fourth Level Mid-Stage demon beast?

Moreover, it's the long-famous Wind-Swallowing Beast?

This makes the old man wonder if his recent stress is too great.

However, with so many people, there are always well-informed individuals; even in the Southern Border, someone recognized Yunhe.

"Yun, Yun Lao Mo! That's Yun Lao Mo!"

A Golden Core Middle Stage cultivator shouted in disbelief.

Yun Lao Mo?

Although those present had never seen Yunhe, they had still heard of his recent fame in the Eastern Border, the names Yun Lao Mo and Pao Lao Mo.

Yun Lao Mo is actually hunting the Wind-Swallowing Beast?

Although Yunhe once slew Extreme Joy Old Ancestor, they do not think Extreme Joy Old Ancestor can compare to the Wind-Swallowing Beast.

More importantly.

The sudden temperature rise throughout the Sand Region is obviously not caused by the Wind-Swallowing Beast.

"Yun Lao Mo! This was caused by the Red Jackal; it has paid its price—why pursue to the end?" the fleeing Wind-Swallowing Beast shouted.

Hubbub!

Far away, many cultivators felt an uproar.

Actually, the Wind-Swallowing Beast and the Blaze-Treading Red Jackal together besieged Yun Lao Mo?

Moreover, it seems the Blaze-Treading Red Jackal may have fallen.

Two Fourth Level Mid-Stage great demons besieged a Nascent Soul Early Stage cultivator; now one is dead and the other gravely injured.

Looking at Yun Lao Mo's state, aside from a slight aura fluctuation, he is virtually unharmed and still pursues the Wind-Swallowing Beast.

This speculation greatly shocked the hearts of all cultivators present.

One Wind-Swallowing Beast is already stronger than Extreme Joy Old Ancestor, possibly much stronger; two cooperating Fourth Level Mid-Stage great demons facing a Late Nascent Soul great cultivator would not end up like this even if they couldn't win.

Soon.

The Swallow Wind Beast and Yunhe fled and chased, quickly streaking across the horizon.

But the impact brought by this brief moment was huge.

Actually, even if the Swallow Wind Beast didn't flee, due to the heavenly tribulation and some commotion, cultivators would sooner or later try to approach the center of the Sandy Region and would eventually be discovered.

There's no doubt that once the news spreads, Yunhe's already considerable fame will surely increase even more!

"Since you dare to attack this venerable one, you must naturally prepare to be slain by this venerable one!"

Yunhe's voice was stern.

He no longer needs to worry too much about exposing his identity or actions.

Basically speaking.

With his current strength, in the Eastern Realm cultivation world, aside from late Nascent Soul great cultivators and hidden old monsters, he truly has nothing to fear.

Moreover, he has prepared to, once this matter is over, find a place to enter closed-door retreat and not emerge until he breaks through to mid Nascent Soul!

Once his cultivation base breaks through to mid Nascent Soul, many of those he would need to fear will be eliminated.

As he spoke, Yunhe's overbearing divine sense swept out.

"Seeking Immortal, Divine Bestowal!"

"Mmm!"

The Swallow Wind Beast let out a muffled groan, its body stiffening briefly; when it came to, its fear grew a little more, and despite the discomfort of body and spirit, it once again broke free and flew away.

But even such a brief stiffness, for their speed, was absolutely fatal.

Yunhe, already arrived behind it.

"My divine sense has been stagnant too long; it seems I must seek the follow-up to the Thousand Gu Myriad Insects Technique."

Regarding the effect of this divine sense secret technique, Yunhe was somewhat dissatisfied.

But now is not the time to dwell on these; at this distance, the Swallow Wind Beast is already within his attack range.

"Go!"

Screech!!

The Fivefold Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Sword flashed, transforming into a handsome five-colored phoenix cloaked in golden radiance; with a mighty flap of its wings, it lunged at the Swallow Wind Beast.

Boom!!

Heavenly thunder erupted from nowhere!

"Ah!!"

The Swallow Wind Beast let out a miserable cry, its body plummeting straight downward.

"Heavenly thunder!"

It could actually wield such mighty heavenly thunder power; its heart, like that of the Flame-Stepping Crimson Jackal before, was filled with awe at the power Yunhe possessed and commanded.

"Substitute Technique? You seriously underestimate this venerable one."

Yunhe glanced at the falling Swallow Wind Beast, gave a light chuckle, and flicked his fingers again.

Screech!!

The five-colored phoenix's body dissipated like foam, turning into a sky-filling dance of sword threads that shot off in a direction.

Pfft—

Then, from what was originally empty space, a splash of blood suddenly spurted out.

Next, the Swallow Wind Beast's sorry figure was revealed.

"Old Devil Yun, do you really want a fish-dead, net-broken outcome!!" the Swallow Wind Beast's face full of ferocity, as if knowing it couldn't escape, preparing to fight to the death.

However, Yunhe's expression remained unchanged, merely turning his sword sign slightly.

"Fish dead, net broken? Hah, I'm afraid the fish will be dead to the last, and the net still won't break."

Saying this, he shouted in a low voice: "Quick!"

Hum—

The countless permeating sword lights suddenly trembled; each strand of sword qi and sword thread increased its speed by more than a notch!

When forging the Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Sword, the Cloud Escape Talisman sigil on the sword's body grew stronger as Yunhe's comprehension of the Dragon Scale Pattern deepened.

Seeing this, the Swallow Wind Beast's eyes turned cold, it made up its mind, and its entire body erupted in azure light.

However, this azure light, which should have been extremely sharp, upon colliding with the sword qi and sword threads, was directly blown downwind.

In sharpness, the keen sword qi surpassed the Swallow Wind Beast's wind-attribute demonic power.

The Swallow Wind Beast's stubborn resistance, given its poor condition and hasty response, appeared to Yunhe hardly different from a desperate last stand.

"Come die!"

Yunhe's aura turned cold, he gestured with his palm, and clenched tightly.

At that moment, the sky-filling sword qi condensed into a five-colored sword qi over a thousand zhang long, like a heavenly pillar toppling, and crashed toward the Swallow Wind Beast!

"Wait!"

At this moment, the demonic power surrounding the Swallow Wind Beast had already dissipated, being the old force spent and new force not yet born; facing such sword qi, it hurriedly shouted:

"Old Devil Yun, aren't you afraid of the existence behind us?"

"Don't you want to know what's happening in the Southern Realm?!"

"Southern Realm?"

Yunhe's eyes narrowed slightly.

Yet he did not stop his actions because of the Swallow Wind Beast's words.

Boom!!

The massive sword qi cleaved down.

The Swallow Wind Beast exerted all its strength to make a final resistance.

However, after the sword qi struck down, it instantly turned into a sky-full of sword threads, and in an instant it shattered the Swallow Wind Beast's final resistance, just like the flame-treading red jackal, its body covered in blood, wounds everywhere.

Most importantly, its dantian had been shattered, and a round, green monster core slowly slid out.

"The 'Monster, Monster Alliance' will not let you go."

This is the Swallow Wind Beast's final 'obstinacy'.

"Noisy."

Yunhe raised a hand and drew it in; the green inner core filled with strong monster qi was seized in his hand.

That's it.

The two Fourth Level mid-stage monster beasts that came to attack him all perished.

Moreover, the name 'Cloud Old Demon' will likely shake the entire Eastern Border cultivation world.

(End of chapter)