[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-starlight-professional":3,"chapter-starlight-professional-starlight-professional-chapter-618":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Starlight Professional",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2309278,4512,"Chapter 618: Battle the Yang Spirit","starlight-professional-chapter-618",618,"\u003Cp>“Healer, Archer, Warrior, Assassin… the squad composition is well-rounded.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Moreover, each of them possesses Foundation Establishment combat power; together, they can easily hunt down ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators, even hold their own against late-stage Foundation Establishment…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? That’s not right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing, inhabiting the Jade Beetle, looked again at these Kill-Life Sect vanguard squads and immediately spotted the issue:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though they’re still at Qi Gathering stage, they all seem to have secondary professions… no wonder each one has Foundation Establishment combat power despite being only Qi Gathering…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing couldn’t help thinking of himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he was at Qi Gathering Ninth Layer, also a Level 9 Druid, he too dared to fight Foundation Establishment cultivators.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If we call all ancient sect cultivators—Qi Gathering, Foundation Establishment, Yin Soul, Yang Spirit—Old Method cultivators, then these multi-professionals are ‘New Method’? Could it be that in the Zhou Shenchao, the New Method is the mainstream?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, there’s also a strange aura of magical artifacts on them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even against Yin Soul true experts, they might stall for a moment and transmit information before dying…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a high-spec squad is perfect for infiltrating enemy territory to carry out ambushes, decapitation strikes, reconnaissance, and other tactical operations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There are several such squads near Qingmu Ridge… the fleeing cultivators were almost all within their interception range.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This proves one thing: run while you still can! Delay and it’s a death sentence…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing didn’t linger, ordering the Jade Beetle to return to Qingmu Ridge’s territory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was now fully prepared—he had to face the Kill-Life Sect’s main force eventually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it were another cultivator army, knowing that most Qingmu Ridge cultivators had fled with their loot, leaving only the weak, elderly, and sick to operate the formation, poor and defiant, a hard bone with little loot, they might choose to besiege without attacking—or offer surrender terms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Kill-Life Sect are all fanatics; what they’ll do is impossible to predict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing’s wait wasn’t long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several days later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A squad arrived outside Qingmu Ridge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kill-Life Sect?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond the ridge, a giant tree trembled; countless leaves fluttered away as a human face emerged on its trunk: “You should know that Elder Qingmu has fled. We remaining cultivators are willing to submit—just let us stay in Qingmu Ridge…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The squad’s leader was a black-armored soldier, one eye gone, wearing a black eye patch; upon hearing this, he sneered: “You ancient sect cultivators truly have absurd fantasies… Our Master teaches us: no mercy, no pity for enemies. Your only fate is annihilation!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shhh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sooner had he spoken than he drew his longsword and slashed lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A crescent-shaped blade light swept across the ancient tree, cleaving it cleanly in two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon the ridge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing was startled: “They don’t even bother pretending to accept surrender before killing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Attack!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as he was stunned, the squad leader had already launched a probing assault.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Puff! Puff!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of black arrows shot forth, striking the natural barrier and sparking in a cascade of flashes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing raised a hand; a vine seized an arrow and brought it to him: “Anti-magic metal? Even Foundation Establishment cultivators could be killed by a volley?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since you came, don’t leave.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snap!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He snapped his fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hummm!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside, the sky had suddenly filled with two patches of ‘insect clouds’.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless frost-white ants and jade beetles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Insects are poisonous!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Defensive formation!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the black-robed chaplains chanted, an odd barrier unfolded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was useless!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jade beetles swarmed the barrier, chewing through it in a few bites.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Barrier-breaking and stealth!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the jade beetle’s innate ability!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hssst!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frost-white ants flew into the formation, spewing freezing air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, countless ice statues appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Impossible!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The black-eyed squad leader swung his sword, his aura flaring like fire; seeing the overwhelming swarm, he sank into despair: “Why? We fled, yet you left behind such overwhelming power?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, a chilling force surged up the sword hilt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned his neck stiffly—his own sword was now crawling with frost-white ants, the entire blade turned into a column of ice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Worse still!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ice spread along his arms, creeping to his torso, limbs…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, the squad leader became an ice statue, his eyeballs barely able to turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, a group emerged from Qingmu Ridge’s formation, led by Fei Yong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Carefully carry these ice statues back. Don’t damage them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fei Yong’s voice trembled as he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One reason was witnessing his elder’s power; another was that he never expected Fang Xing to be this reckless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d directly attacked the Kill-Life Sect!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though these ice statues might not be dead, capturing them all was still a grave matter. Too bad—he could only obey orders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the ice statue wearing the black eye patch was brought before Fang Xing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing smiled, raised a hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surrounding temperature rose abruptly; the ice melted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The squad leader shivered, about to demand something—when he saw two green sparks in Fang Xing’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He instantly grew dazed, his movements slowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your name? Rank?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hei Yuan, Kill-Life Sect Expeditionary Squad Leader…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the Mind-Control spell, Hei Yuan’s gaze was vacant, answering every question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing asked a few more questions, then felt surprised: “The Kill-Life Sect really poured everything into this…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Hei Yuan, merely a squad leader, knew the Kill-Life Sect was continuously reinforcing the Outer Lands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No error in content at all!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They even deployed a divine artifact!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing was also deeply interested in the Kill-Life Sect’s “New Method.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He learned they too had “professions”—Hei Yuan, for instance, was a “Guardian of the Faith!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In their army, there were chaplains, archers, sword-and-shield troops—all elite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because these profession levels stack atop Qi Gathering!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, Hei Yuan had a promoted profession besides “Guardian of the Faith”—“Destroyer Guardian!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Kill-Life Sect’s philosophy is extreme…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing stared into Hei Yuan’s eyes: “Ultimate destruction means destroying others—and yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To advance to ‘Destroyer Guardian,’ one must undergo a cruel ‘Rite of Annihilation,’ sacrificing a body part to the Great Destroyer God. Hei Yuan chose to sacrifice one eye…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is only the Chuji  Rite of Annihilation. Higher rites require destroying one’s five viscera, six bowels—even all life force…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After destroying all of oneself, one dies… then, through divine grace, is reborn from death—becoming a ‘Corpse Liberation Immortal,’ a semi-divine mortal…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rumors say the Kill-Life Sect’s leader, and even the top figures of the Zhou Shenchao, are semi-divine in power…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Semi-divine?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing murmured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This realm seemed hard to achieve—it required special conditions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he pondered, his natural perception alerted him: a powerful enemy was approaching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Take these ice statues down and guard them well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing immediately called Fei Yong and gave the order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the coming battle, these cultivators would be useless—on either side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their only goal: don’t die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing flew into the air above Qingmu Ridge and saw a white flash—a woman in white robes, graceful and ethereal, appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around her swirled a warm, yang-like aura, exerting pressure faintly reminiscent of Elder Qingmu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“White Law King…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"An Yin Shen true cultivator dares to resist the Killing Life Sect's army?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>White Dharma King chuckled, yet his brow held no trace of joy—only an indescribable chill: \"This ridge shall be burned to ashes!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing’s expression likewise turned cold: \"Those who destroy nature shall be punished by nature itself!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These followers of the Killing Life Sect are truly despicable!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had underestimated the concept of 'killing life'—perhaps in their eyes, the vibrant Greenwood Ridge was an irreplaceable offering ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that’s the case, there is nothing left to negotiate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Arrogant words.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>White Dharma King formed a hand seal, and white lotus petals bloomed all around her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From afar, she looked like a spirit emerging from a colossal white lotus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Protected by these illusory, sacred lotus petals, White Dharma King entered the Greenwood Ridge without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——Natural Barrier!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her beautiful eyebrows lifted slightly as she felt the oppressive force of nature from the void.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This... it’s not the 'All Plants Are Soldiers' formation—yet its suppression is even stronger.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before White Dharma King could speak again, an even more terrifying change occurred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The white lotus petals swirling around her shattered instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——Magic Suppression Field!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>White Dharma King’s face paled as she felt the oppressive force of the 'Sacred Grove'—more terrifying than any array she’d encountered in the Zhou Shenchao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bad—too careless.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her beautiful eyes flickered, locking onto Fang Xing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had carelessly entered the formation; now her power was suppressed and she was trapped—her only option was to instantly capture and kill the formation’s master!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, this master was weak—only Yin Shen realm!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stepped forward, each footfall blooming a lotus, as if teleporting through space to appear beside Fang Xing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pale, jeweled wrist descended gently, like Guanyin lowering her arm, ready to seize Fang Xing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the next instant—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The place where Fang Xing had stood was now empty; the furs-wearing youth had vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his place loomed a white jade qiulong over fifteen feet long!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Druid leveled up, Fang Xing’s qiulong body grew continuously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, his qiulong form was as thick as a water barrel, its white jade scales offering astonishing defense, and endowed with dragon-strength!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Splash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mist rose around him; Fang Xing’s qiulong form radiated dragon majesty, its tail rising high—then lashed down!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>White Dharma King screamed as the qiulong struck her with \"Divine Dragon’s Tail,\" hurling her straight from the sky into the earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ground roared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then several treants raised their feet, crushing down with terrifying force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——War Trample!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1600,"2026-06-20T11:03:23.251Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","fdd4eba55b6780e0387da3f433a0b48f163d4023deb7b57ed383a0faf4c52b34","starlight-professional-chapter-619","starlight-professional-chapter-617",726,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fstarlight-professional-cover.jpg"]