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Hou Niao was covered in wounds. Even with his sharp swordsmanship, after facing more than a dozen Soul Ghosts in succession, it was inevitable that he would be covered in countless scars. He could ignore the difference in realms and complete the slayings with the help of the Mysterious Light Holy Fire, but he could not surpass the chasm of realms to make himself invulnerable.
Moreover, as time passed, everyone's Spiritual Power was depleted to varying degrees, and it was impossible to maintain peak condition indefinitely; as the effect of the depletion set in, the remaining strength of the Soul Ghosts grew stronger, and Hou Niao found it increasingly difficult to cope. Several times he was forced to risk life and limb in a dangerous strike in exchange for life.
