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The ancient sophora had suffered severe damage, with three large holes still oozing thick pus; tender shoots like small sprouts worked to heal these gaping wounds. The cost was severe, as a large area of the canopy withered and many vines shriveled up. The pervasive black mist began to retract, and numerous beasts awoke from within the dark smoke, reverting from their twisted forms, roaring as they broke free from the haze and vanished into the dark shadows.
With a significant drop in pressure, Zheng Fuyou broke through the encirclement and came to Li Xu's side. After a hearty laugh, he said, "Head Li truly lives up to his reputation. That sword array just now was incredible, it had the elegance of a Sword Immortal. And this is only the first stage; it's enviable indeed."
Li Xu was in the midst of breath regulation with his eyes closed, and Guan Tingting was preparing her next spell; neither of them paid him any attention.
