As the swarm of tiny violet needles, pulsating with potent poisons erupted from Li Yan's fingertips, swarming their way at breath-taking speed toward Xue Ren.
Undaunted, Xue Ren's eyes, sharp and luminous, took hold of the needles' trajectories. His senses, refined beyond limits perceivable by any cultivator, captured each needle's movement, predicting their paths even as they flew towards him. As the onslaught drew near, a bare-fisted strike from Xue Ren sent a gust of wind radiating outwards, converting the needles into a harmless shower of violet dust that was promptly swept away by the breeze.
Li Yan scoffed, "Just as anticipated from someone bestowed with the Crystal Harmony Physique - naturally, you're able to predict the vulnerabilities in any attack. No wonder the position of this physique fluctuates so often on the Celestial Physique Rankings."
The Celestial Physique List is a prestigious and closely followed Compilation that ranks various types of physiques in the Cultivation World.
Updated periodically, the Celestial Physique List reflects the ever-evolving understanding of physiques. It takes into account factors such as inherent potential, compatibility with cultivation techniques, adaptability to different realms and environments, and overall combat prowess. The rankings are determined by a panel of esteemed experts, renowned scholars, and seasoned cultivators, ensuring the credibility and accuracy of the list.
Knowing that physical attacks wouldn't suffice against Xue Ren's heightened senses, Li Yan spread out her arms and ghostly apparitions began rising from the ground. Formed from dark smoke and carrying a deadly toxin in their aura, the spectres charged towards Xue Ren, a deathly wail echoing in their wake.
Suddenly, Xue Ren's skin began to transform, veins illuminating his translucent, crystal-like skin. They refracted the minimal light present around, casting prism-like illusions that overlapped with the ghostly apparitions, causing an ethereal spectacle of light and dark and creating a bewildering scene that disturbed Li Yan's concentration. Seizing the confusion, Xue Ren executed swift and precise sword strikes, slashing the apparitions one by one. Each fell, dissipating into a toxic mist that he skillfully avoided with his heightened perception.
As the final apparition fell, Xue Ren directed his full attention towards Li Yan just as she started utilizing her final ability. Li Yan's back bulged abruptly, erupting into delicate dragonfly-like wings. These wings manipulated the poisoned air around, guiding them towards Xue Ren who was momentarily distracted with the unexpected transformation.
Witnessing the mesmerizing wings of Li Yan, Xue Ren couldn't resist offering words of admiration, "Sister Yan, Your Nether Dragonfly Physique is quite impressive," he commented. "However, I must say, it pales in comparison to what I possess."
The Nether Dragonfly Physique - As its name suggests, it pulls its power from the poisonous energies of the Netherworld, The energies that saturate this realm are not merely poisonous, but also emblematic of death and rebirth - a cycle perpetually revolving in the darkest corners of existence.
But even as the tainted winds surged towards him, Xue Ren remained unyielding. Relying on his enhanced senses, he navigated through the poisoned gusts, allowing the smallest breeze to graze against his crystal skin while dodging the most poisonous trails. Simultaneously, he manipulated the refracted light around him to form new illusions, addling Li Yan's senses and distracting her from directing the poisoned winds.
With her concentration split, this provided the opening Xue Ren needed. Incorporating his stellar swordsmanship with the darting movements provided by his heightened perception, Xue Ren closed the distance between them. Dispersing the poisons in his path with a sweep of his sword and piercing through the illusions with his crystal clear intentions.
Li Yan's eyes narrowed, and with another wave of her wings, dark nether flames erupted around her before taking the form of a massive arrow that moved towards Xue Ren with unimaginable speed.
***
In the opposing corner of the battlefield, a larger, more intense confrontation erupted as Mi Ling surged with fierce determination, joining the battle alongside Chang Jin against the formidable monk.
"I hope the Honoured Monk would pardon my offense."
The seven-coloured armor, which cloaked her form, shimmered unabashedly, radiating an otherworldly aura.
A glimmering, golden saber solidified within her confident grasp, emanating a vibrant aura of seven radiant hues that bathed her in a celestial glow.
In an obscured corner close to the tumultuous battlefield, a silhouette was subtly concealed within the embrace of shadows. Observing and meticulously capturing every intricate detail. The figure gently retrieved a jade pendant, exuding an air of mystery and ancient power. Placing it reverently on the modest earth beneath him, with a deft flick of his nimble fingers, a vibrant golden beam pulsed from his touch, striking the pendant directly.