Chapter 300: Life and Death Talisman, Subduing Wanwan

Under a casual grab from Yu Liancheng, Bian Bufu was injured and retreated in defeat. But this Demon's reaction was extremely fast; with a shake of his arms, he unleashed the "Magic Heart Chain".

Within the Yin Gui Sect, this "Magic Heart Chain" is second only to the "Heavenly Demon Great Art" of Zhu Yuyan and Wanwan; it can borrow force to launch attacks, is continuous and unending, and is extremely vicious and formidable.

If an opponent attacks, the twin rings can not only kill invisibly, but also borrow the force to counterattack. The stronger the force of the opponent's attack, the more overbearing the counterattacking power becomes. In a certain sense, the "Magic Heart Chain" is somewhat similar to the Shift Flowers, Graft Jade.

But when it comes to borrowing force to strike back, Yu Liancheng can be considered Bian Bufu's ancestor.

A trace of a disdainful sneer spilled from the corner of his mouth as he flicked his sleeve casually. His robe billowed, fluttering out like flowing clouds and flying waterfalls. It carried not a hint of smoke or fire, leaving no trace to be found.

Those two silver iron rings were originally erratic and incomparably strange, leaving one unable to know where they would strike.

But when this cloud-sleeve was flicked out, it was as if they were drawn by some kind of force, and with a "whoosh", they smashed into the cloud-sleeve.

Rolled up by the cloud-sleeve, the two silver rings spun in mid-air and, with marvelous precision, struck back, their momentum even more formidable than before.

Bian Bufu's pupils dilated and his body retreated rapidly, but the two silver rings followed closely as if they had a spirit, whistling as they smashed down.

He could only use his sleeve to wrap around a long saber and strike down heavily.

Under the violent collision between the long saber and the silver ring, with a crisp "ding" sound, sparks burst forth, and Bian Bufu had already knocked the front iron ring to the ground.

Yet he felt no excitement at all; instead, it was as if a basin of cold water had been poured over his head.

The force carried within that iron ring was too tyrannical and overbearing, shaking his entire body until his Qi and Blood churned, his internal organs felt as if they had shifted, and a fishy sweetness rose in his throat; he nearly spat out blood.

Before Bian Bufu could calm his Qi and Blood or regulate his internal energy, the second silver iron ring had already smashed down, the wind whistling as if it were not an iron ring, but a giant boulder weighing ten thousand catties.

Before the iron ring even reached him, Bian Bufu already felt a sense of fatal crisis; the hairs all over his body stood on end, as if he had fallen into an ice cellar. He poured all his remaining True Qi into the long saber in his hand and, with a fierce shout, slashed out.

In reality, compared to this kind of unadorned collision, he was more skilled in the strange and tricky attacks of the Demon Sect, but now he had no other choice.

Ding!

The long saber collided with the silver iron ring, and a massive, overbearing force struck.

The long saber trembled, cracks burst open, and in just an instant, the cracks covered the entire blade, before it suddenly shattered into dozens of fragments that splashed in all directions.

The silver ring's momentum remained unabated, smashing heavily into Bian Bufu's chest, sending his entire body flying back several yards, crashing into several water bandits, immediately causing a chorus of screams as bones broke and snapped.

Even though Bian Bufu possessed deep internal power, after taking this blow, he was also severely injured and unable to stand, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth, his face pale as paper.

Wanwan's beautiful eyes widened, and she was almost stunned.

Bian Bufu is a renowned Demon, his martial arts are unfathomable, and his "Magic Heart Chain" is famous throughout the Edo. But now, in just a single encounter, he has already been severely injured at the hands of Yu Liancheng. If not for the other party showing mercy, he would have already returned to the Western Heaven.

Wanwan exhaled softly, suppressing all complex emotions.

Regardless, this Bian Bufu is her martial uncle and one of the people Zhu Yuyan trusts most; she cannot let him die here just like that.

Wanwan moved her lotus steps forward, her beautiful eyes flickering: "This humble one is Wanwan, many thanks to you, Gongzi, for your help, but I wonder why you injured my Uncle Yang?"

While speaking, Wanwan circulated her True Qi, ready to escape at the first sign of the other party making a move.

Yu Liancheng said in astonishment: "Eh, is this not a villain who was about to commit an improper act against the young lady?"

"Gongzi is joking, these people are the water bandits and villains." Wanwan gave a bitter smile and gestured toward the remaining water bandits.

Having seen the exchange between Yu Liancheng and Bian Bufu earlier, these water bandits were already scared out of their wits and did not even dare to move.

Wanwan added in a sweet voice: "As for the one accidentally injured by you, Gongzi, he is an uncle from my own family."

"So that is how it is; it was my misunderstanding, truly a great mistake." Yu Liancheng showed an expression of annoyance, as if he were truly heartbroken for accidentally hurting a good person: "But fortunately, this seat also has methods to save people."

Wanwan looked at the wailing, groaning Bian Bufu, whose breath was weak, and could not help but say: "The injuries Uncle Yang has now, I fear it will take a great deal of effort to heal; I wonder what methods you have, Gongzi?"

"Rest assured, this seat has a unique way of treating injuries, called the 'Life and Death Talisman'." Yu Liancheng smiled slightly.

"Life and Death Talisman?"

"Correct, 'Life and Death Talisman', as the name implies, is a martial art that can bring people back from the dead." Yu Liancheng reached out his palm, and a cold, biting True Qi gushed out, instantly forming shards of ice in the air: "You just watch carefully."

The ice shards flew out with a "chi-chi" sound, instantly enveloping Bian Bufu's entire body.

A strong, ominous warning sign arose in Bian Bufu's heart; he wanted to dodge, but his injuries were too severe. Just as he struggled to prop himself up, his chest pained again, his movements slowed, and those ice crystals shot over like a torrential downpour.

As soon as the ice crystals touched his skin, they immediately melted and seeped into his meridians and acupoints.

Bian Bufu sat on the ground, breathing heavily with difficulty. While silently circulating his healing mental cultivation method and sensing the situation inside his body, he found nothing abnormal and asked in shock and suspicion: "You... what did you do to me?"

At this moment, his chest bones were broken and his internal organs shifted; his voice became hoarse and low, no longer possessing his usual dashing and romantic air.

"Naturally, I am treating your illness." Yu Liancheng smiled slightly, watching Bian Bufu with composure.

Bian Bufu frowned, not understanding the meaning. Suddenly, the skin on his right arm felt an itch, and he could not help but reach out to scratch it.

It would have been fine if he hadn't scratched, but with that one scratch, that slight itch immediately turned into a strange, intense itch, and it gradually spread, covering his entire body.

The more he itched, the more he scratched; the more he scratched, the more he itched. Bian Bufu scratched himself desperately, soon covering his body in bloodstains and wounds.

Yet it was of no use at all; the strange itch instead penetrated into his bones and internal organs, as if ants were gnawing at every part of his body.

Although Bian Bufu is a famous Demon, he has lived a life of luxury and comfort; how could he endure such torture? Before long, he was wailing, rolling on the ground, and crying bitterly.

Although Wanwan is a disciple of the Demon Sect, seeing this scene, she felt a chill in her heart and could not help but say: "Gongzi, is this your method of saving people?"

Yu Liancheng nodded, pointing at Bian Bufu, who had scratched his skin to shreds: "He was originally on the verge of death; look at how full of life he is now."

Wanwan: "..."

"Rest assured, he will not die. Even if he dies, this seat will return an uncle to you." Yu Liancheng smiled faintly: "Come, let you take advantage; call me Uncle Yu and let me hear it."

Although Wanwan is a clever and mischievous demoness, she felt a sense of not knowing how to deal with Yu Liancheng.

"Eh, good niece, why are you not speaking? Could it be that you have suffered internal injuries? Let Uncle Yu help you." A cold smile curled at the corner of Yu Liancheng's mouth. He flipped his palm, cold air permeated, and another wave of "Life and Death Talismans" enveloped Wanwan.

This so-called "Life and Death Talisman" is nothing more than mastering Yang-natured True Qi, reversing it into Yin-cold True Qi, and using the Yin-cold energy to turn water into ice.

And with Yu Liancheng's cultivation and talent, as long as he understands the general principle, he can create a "Life and Death Talisman" at will.

Of course, given the martial power of this world, figures of Wanwan and the Evil Queen's caliber might not be unable to undo the "Life and Death Talisman", but Yu Liancheng is using the Yin and Yang energies of the Longevity Formula, which intertwine and constantly grow, and he has added two or thirty other types of energy with different attributes; even the Three Great Grandmasters might not be able to resolve it.

Wanwan had already seen the power of the "Life and Death Talisman" and dared not let the ice crystals get close to her body, crying out: "Uncle, you have such a cruel heart; how could you bear to use such a method on Wanwan?"

She had a look of "pity me", and combined with her stunning beauty, even a heart of iron and stone would turn into soft, winding fingers.

Yet Wanwan's attack was not slow at all; the Heavenly Demon Great Art turned at full power, and an invisible force field swirled around her entire body. The moment the ice crystals approached within three feet of her, they "crumbled" and shattered into dust.

The next moment, her slender jade feet tapped against the deck, and her entire body suddenly drifted forward, as if she were about to unleash an exquisite, peerless lightness skill to escape.

"Niece Wanwan, why the rush? This seat was just about to properly entertain you." Yu Liancheng chuckled, his figure flickering like a ghost, suddenly blocking her path at a distance of one zhang.

"Uncle Yu's hospitality is hard to refuse, but my master, Zhu Yuyan, is waiting for me. If I am late, the old lady will be angry."

Wanwan had already brought up the great name of the "Queen of Yin," Zhu Yuyan. Zhu Yuyan was the sect leader of the Yin Gui Sect, the head of the Eight Great Masters of the Demon Sect, and one of the world's few top-tier experts; no matter who faced her, they would have to be three parts wary.

As she spoke, Wanwan's cloud-like sleeves swept open, and her pair of slender, fair jade fingers executed countless techniques. These techniques were already incomparably mysterious, yet they were further imbued with the "Heavenly Demon Force Field," making them even more unfathomable and filled with hidden killing intent. Yet, every move was exquisitely beautiful, like a celestial being from a mural.

Although young, Wanwan's Heavenly Demon Art was already chasing after Zhu Yuyan's, making her one of the top experts of the younger generation, shining as brightly as the yet-to-emerge successor of the Cihang Jingzhai, Shi Feixuan. At this moment, she was attacking with all her might, and her power was definitely no less than that of Bian Bufu.

It was a pity that the person Wanwan had encountered was Yu Liancheng.

"If Sect Leader Zhu were here in person, the two of you, master and disciple, could just stay behind to enjoy the mountains and rivers, drink wine, and admire the moon with me. Wouldn't that be delightful?"

Yu Liancheng wore a smile, pointing a finger straight out. This finger carried an incomparably sharp aura, like a Divine Sword piercing the void, its brilliance dazzling.

All of Wanwan's techniques, before this finger, were like ice and snow under the scorching sun, melting away layer by layer.

In the end, Yu Liancheng's finger tapped against Wanwan's delicate palm.

Wanwan's delicate body trembled, and she retreated rapidly, a strange flush appearing on her pretty face.

"Uncle Yu, you have ill intentions; I am not staying." Watching Yu Liancheng step forward, Wanwan giggled and lunged at him. As she channeled her Heavenly Demon Art, the surrounding air seemed to be suddenly drained away; she looked like an elf emerging from the dark night, exuding a treacherous allure.

Yu Liancheng kept his left hand behind his back, a calm and composed smile on his face, while his right hand reached out, continuously shifting through complex and swift moves to neutralize all of Wanwan's attacks.

And Wanwan's mental attacks, which were like mercury pouring onto the ground—formless and intangible—were likewise blocked outside a thin membrane, failing to exert even the slightest effect.

"Niece Wanwan, you are truly too disobedient." Yu Liancheng shook his head lightly, turning his palm into a fist and punching out; the wind and clouds stirred with the strike.

Wanwan let out a soft cry, her cloud-like sleeves fluttering as she tried to block the move, but she staggered backward, her face turning deathly pale. A mouthful of blood sprayed out, and she slumped weakly to the ground.

"Eh? When did my fist technique become so powerful?" Yu Liancheng looked at his own fist, a look of confusion appearing between his brows. Immediately, he lowered his sleeve and walked toward Wanwan, smiling, "Niece Wanwan, stay obediently. Although I do not wish to destroy a flower with a heavy hand, I certainly wouldn't mind giving you a profound lesson."

Just as Yu Liancheng reached her, she suddenly raised her head, revealing a brilliant, radiant smile: "Uncle Yu, you've been tricked."

At this moment, Wanwan pushed her Heavenly Demon Art to the limit. Under the influence of that invisible force field, Yu Liancheng's entire body seemed to be crushed by a force of ten thousand jun, unable to control his body, stumbling to and fro.

At the same time, the palms covered by Wanwan's long sleeves suddenly shot out, and in those snow-white, soft palms, two short blades, blue all over, had appeared.

They were the Yin Gui Sect's signature Divine Weapon, the Heavenly Demon Twin Blades.

Having witnessed Yu Liancheng's formidable cultivation, Wanwan knew that all tricks were useless; only by bringing out all her skills, without reservation, could she fight for a chance of victory.

In an instant, the Heavenly Demon Twin Blades in Wanwan's hands tore through the sky like a streak of lightning, sweeping toward Yu Liancheng with a roar, forming a dense, impenetrable offensive.

"Well fought!"

Yu Liancheng laughed, his five fingers rotating like a blooming lotus, his slender fingers striking out, each hit landing on the weakest point of the blade light.

Ding, ding, ding...

In an instant, the dense sound of iron clashing like rain rang out, and sparks bloomed from the tips of Yu Liancheng's fingers.

In just seven or eight breaths, the two had exchanged dozens of moves. Yu Liancheng stood motionless, like an eternal mountain, the moves in his hands changing thousands of times, every single one of them peerlessly marvelous.

Wanwan's Heavenly Demon Twin Blades flew and changed to the extreme, unimaginably so; the blade momentum flowed like a stream, yet could also surge like a river. It could be like a startled swan or lightning, or transform into a gentle breeze and white clouds.

However, no matter how she changed, she still could not break through the defense between Yu Liancheng's hands. Every time she thought she could achieve success in one stroke, it was cleverly neutralized into nothingness.

It was like a river constantly churning and rising, thinking it would eventually burst its banks. But that dam kept rising, like an unfathomably high natural chasm.

As the two fought, the cabins of the large ship were affected; cracks appeared on the walls, wooden pillars snapped one after another, and it swayed, as if it might collapse at any moment.

The remaining water bandits had intended to flee, but the broken energy from the two's battle shot out in all directions, piercing their chests, throats, and other vital points as if it had a mind of its own.

For a time, screams were incessant, and blood stained the river surface.

The more Wanwan fought, the more alarmed she became. She had already unleashed all the methods of the Yin Gui Sect, but they were all neutralized by the other party with a light and breezy attitude.

Even the "Queen of Yin" Zhu Yuyan, whose Heavenly Demon Art was more profound than hers and who was familiar with her martial arts, could not achieve this step.

If her master Zhu Yuyan was an unfathomable pool, then Yu Liancheng was a boundless ocean; the two could not be mentioned in the same breath.

Even if Ning Daoqi were here in person, he might not necessarily earn such an evaluation from her.

And Wanwan's Heavenly Demon Art, which had always been invincible, seemed to have lost its effect before Yu Liancheng. The Heavenly Demon Force Field pulled and tugged wantonly, yet it could not shake his figure at all.

And the Heavenly Demon Art had the ability to absorb the opponent's True Qi for one's own use. When encountering experts of similar cultivation, after a long battle, one would win and never lose.

But Yu Liancheng's True Qi was as hard as iron and rock, unshaken by external forces, with nothing to absorb. Moreover, he could release a strange power that absorbed her True Qi back, reversing it to attack her own body.

Wanwan knew in her heart she was no match for him. The Heavenly Demon Twin Blades slashed out again, turning into two unprecedented blue streaks. The moment Yu Liancheng dodged, she had already swept away rapidly, soaring into the air, her movement technique treacherous and unfathomable.

"Traveling alone is lonely and desolate; Niece Wanwan should stay and keep this seat company." Yu Liancheng's figure flickered, blocking Wanwan's path again, appearing as if he had crossed over from another space.

At the same time, he flicked his sleeve, and a surge of river water flew up, condensing into the shape of a Sword, which Yu Liancheng grasped in his hand, instantly transforming into an ice sword emitting a chilling cold.

Swish!

The ice sword thrust out.

This single thrust was simple, yet filled with an ethereal, hollow meaning, as if it resonated with the profound principles of heaven and earth.

And Wanwan, facing this sword directly, felt a strange sensation. This was no longer a sword, but a rolling river; she felt as if she were in the midst of surging waves and a boundless flood, with endless pressure sweeping toward her.

At this moment, Wanwan finally understood that this person's sword technique was the true pinnacle. Even Fu Cailin, known as the Yi Sword Master, could never execute such a sword.

And at this moment, Wanwan could only hold her Heavenly Demon Twin Blades horizontally while leaping backward.

However, the mountain-toppling power she expected did not pour down. The moment the ice sword and the Heavenly Demon Twin Blades clashed, it suddenly shattered into countless ice crystals, enveloping Wanwan like a torrential downpour.

Wanwan was caught off guard. The moment the ice crystals touched her body, they immediately melted into her. Her pretty face changed, and she hurriedly circulated her True Qi, but she could not detect anything strange in her body. Yet, the previous miserable state of Bian Bufu lingered in her mind like a nightmare.

This most outstanding demoness of the Demon Sect felt her legs go weak.

Yu Liancheng smiled, "Alright, Niece Wanwan, now I think you won't refuse my proposal, right?"

Wanwan gave a bitter smile, "Very well. Since Uncle Yu likes Wanwan so much, Wanwan will keep Uncle Yu company for a while."

"Good, we should go." Yu Liancheng laughed, holding Wanwan's slender waist, and swept over to the covered boat he had previously taken.

And the moment they left, that large ship suddenly emitted a trembling sound and disintegrated, large chunks of wood sinking into the river water. Bian Bufu, who was on the ship scratching his itches until he was covered in blood, met the same fate, but no one cared about his life or death anymore.