Qing-Yun Realm Cultivators . . .
Du Qingpeng wore a sly smile as he taunted, "I've heard our fellow sect members say that Feng Monarch possesses extraordinary agility and an enigmatic fighting style. We're here to ensure you stay and resolve our grievances, but I don't intend to leave before you do. Before we engage, let me introduce the brothers who will be responsible for ending your life—just so you don't go down to the afterlife wondering who delivered the final blow."
Gesturing toward the right, Du Qingpeng continued, "The one in white garments with a ruddy complexion is Shang Yushu, a fifth-generation member of Saint Sunlight Sect. He's a formidable Spirit Origin Stage cultivator at level eight, renowned for his exceptional swordsmanship. Beware of his swift blade; a careless move could leave you grievously wounded."
Shang Yushu acknowledged with a nod, "Feng Monarch, my regards."
Ye Xiao replied with a calm tone, "Since you seek a confrontation, I'll gladly oblige."
Du Qingpeng then pointed to the figure to Ye Xiao's right, adding, "The gentleman standing nearby is Shang Yuming, another fifth-generation Saint Sunlight Sect member. Also a level-eight Spirit Origin Stage cultivator, he shares a profound connection with Shang Yushu. Their synchronized combat is nothing short of spectacular. If you'd like, they can test their mettle against you simultaneously."
Du Qingpeng's grin widened as he introduced the last pair, "The two individuals behind you, Fu Yuntian and Tang Yidao, are also fifth-generation disciples. Brother Tang here is a level-one Dream Origin Stage cultivator, while I, Du Qingpeng, stand at level one of Dream Origin Stage and belong to the Saint Starlight Sect. Together with my junior brothers from the sect—Xu Wenxiang, Yu Xiangdong, and Cheng Yihe—there are seven of us committed to ending your life today."
Ye Xiao responded with a hearty laugh, saying, "So, you imply that you can only accomplish this if everything unfolds exactly as planned? What if I have a few surprises in store for you? The real question is how big a surprise it will be when I dispatch all eight of you in one fell swoop."
Du Qingpeng's eyes narrowed, his voice growing stern as he retorted, "We've grown weary of the monotony and clamor of this world. If you are as formidable as you claim, we don't mind accepting a challenge, even if it means your victory over us. However, we'd be deeply disappointed if you were merely boasting."
Cha Eun Xiao tensed, the energy within him boiling with anticipation. He prepared for the inevitable clash, uttering with fierce determination, "Since this fight is inescapable, what are you waiting for? Bring it on!"
Yet Du Qingpeng paused and asked, "Before we begin, I have a question. I'm quite curious about one thing—currently, within this mountain, who is in the midst of a breakthrough?"
Cha Eun Xiao's pupils constricted, and he tersely replied, "That is not your concern; you have no need to know."
However, Du Qingpeng persisted, his tone insistent, "No, we must know. That individual must hold great significance to you, isn't that right?"
Suddenly, Cha Eun Xiao felt a foreboding sense of dread.
Du Qingpeng continued nonchalantly, "Ah, I was correct in my assumption. This person's importance to you is evident. Otherwise, you wouldn't have remained here for so long. In essence, you won't flee even if you can. You're committed to fighting, to the death if necessary. Is that it?"
He burst into hearty laughter, looking up at the sky. "What fantastic news! This was an opportunity we didn't seek, but it's a pleasant surprise. It will save us time!"
Cha Eun Xiao grew increasingly concerned, his expression darkening. "Could you please dispense with the chatter? Do you believe you can best me through words alone? Will you kill me with your tongue? Your words are sharp, but they won't lead to my demise."
Du Qingpeng's face turned cold. "You seem to be the one with the sharp tongue! Attack!"
Without hesitation, Yu Xiangdong, an adept Spirit Origin Stage cultivator, leaped into the air. As he spun, he appeared like a constellation of stars shining brilliantly in the daylight sky. The radiant spectacle illuminated the surroundings.
Cha Eun Xiao's black robe, akin to a gathering of dark storm clouds, descended upon him like a looming tempest.
The difference between the power of Sky Origin Stage and Spirit Origin Stage became acutely apparent to Cha Eun Xiao the moment his adversary, Du Qingpeng, made his move. The sheer discrepancy was staggering, and the oppressive aura felt as tangible as concrete.
In the sky above, a gleaming sword flashed intermittently among the radiant stars, manifesting like a spectral phantom. It disappeared amidst the starlight before descending toward Cha Eun Xiao, specifically aimed at his mouth.
Du Qingpeng appeared to have taken offense at Cha Eun Xiao's words and consequently directed his subordinate to apprehend Cha Eun Xiao—not for his life but for his tongue. The intention was to sever Cha Eun Xiao's tongue as retribution.
Cha Eun Xiao, at the ninth level of Sky Origin Stage, had been diligently refining his skills while Bing-Er was in the midst of her cultivation. He currently stood at the mid-level of the ninth stage, a mere step away from breaching the Sky Origin Stage's limitations and advancing to the Spirit Origin Stage.
Yet, his adversary was an eighth-level Spirit Origin Stage cultivator, a chasm of nearly ten levels between them. Facing direct confrontation, Cha Eun Xiao knew that the outcome would be his demise.
With no room for hesitation, he stepped back, swiftly bringing his hands together to form a golden, luminescent hand. A Sky Origin Stage cultivator from Sunlight Sect called out in warning, "Beware of his poison!"
In the blink of an eye, Cha Eun Xiao unleashed a rapid succession of over a dozen palm strikes, strategically timed to coincide with his adversary's approach. Yu Xiangdong, recognizing the perilous situation, adjusted his course to evade Cha Eun Xiao's strikes, which came dangerously close to ending his life. The lightning-quick exchange highlighted Cha Eun Xiao's remarkable agility even in the face of an overpowering adversary.