It turned out that he had already reached the second level of perfection in the Dragon Elephant Diamond Power Technique. After a night of practical combat, he showed signs of a breakthrough.
In an instant, his muscles erupted with power, the dark golden hue deepening, signifying a breakthrough to the third layer of strength!
Fourfold power erupted!
Bai Yichen suppressed his surprise, seizing the long whip with a punch powered by four times his strength, the fierce wind from his blow forcing the third assassin back several steps as he coughed up blood.
However, before Bai Yichen could catch his breath, the fourth assassin's long sword struck like a venomous snake, poised to pierce Bai Yichen's arm.
Unfazed, he utilized the powerful physique granted by the breakthrough in the Dragon Elephant Diamond Power Technique; his body accelerated abruptly, and with a swift motion, he drew his sword. The sword's light danced like autumn rain.
"Clang, clang!"
A series of sounds rang out as swords clashed, sparks flying.
The swordsman facing Bai Yichen was momentarily taken aback by his swordsmanship.
Seeing this, Bai Yichen executed an exquisite sword technique, swiftly disarming his opponent. He closed in like the wind, and with one strike, he killed the fourth assassin.
With that display of swordsmanship and instantaneous kill, the remaining three assassins were left in shock.
Bai Yichen shifted his sword stance, channeling his internal force into the blade. The sword's brilliance surged as it directly pierced the throat of the nearest assassin. That person clutched his throat with both hands, blood gushing from between his fingers.
The second assassin died!
Seeing the dire situation, the man wielding the long knife frantically swung his weapon, trying to block Bai Yichen.
With a thunderous shout, Bai Yichen channeled his internal energy into his sword, using his fourfold strength to sever the long knife. He pressed forward, sealing the throat of the attacker with a single stroke.
The leader fell!
The last remaining third assassin, who had been forced back, now found himself the sole survivor. Seeing his companions dead, fear gripped him as he turned to flee.
But how could Bai Yichen allow him to escape? He leaped into the air with a sword strike, his powerful internal energy and strength driving the sword through the third assassin, pinning him to the ground.
At that moment, a signal flare shot up suddenly, bursting into a brilliant explosion that resembled a radiant red lotus blooming in the deep night sky.
The dazzling red light instantly tore through the dark veil, illuminating all the battle sites across Qingkong Mountain.
It also reflected on the face of the Heishi assassin, whose expression was filled with regret and despair as he desperately tried to get up and escape.
Before he could make a move, Bai Yichen closed in, drawing his sword to take the assassin's life.
The third assassin died!
After a fierce battle, the ancient forest returned to calm.
Bai Yichen also noticed the retreat signal from the Heishi organization.
With this, he finally felt at ease, knowing that the crisis at Xuanzhen Temple had been resolved.
Reflecting on the dangers of the night, Bai Yichen let out a long breath, feeling the fatigue throughout his body lessen a bit.
However, Bai Yichen couldn't afford to rest or gather the spoils of battle.
He quickly turned to check on the injuries of Master Guān Xū.
Earlier, the leader had thrown Guān Xū aside to facilitate the siege against him. Although a master at the perfected stage of cultivation was not that fragile, one could never be too cautious.
He saw that Master Guān Xū's complexion was pale, his breath faint.
Fortunately.
Bai Yichen understood the urgency of the situation. He immediately took out a healing powder for Guān Xū to consume, then used his internal energy to apply pressure to several acupoints on him to aid in his recovery.
After a moment, he noticed that Guān Xū's complexion improved slightly, beads of sweat beginning to form on his forehead, and he gradually regained some color, his breathing stabilizing significantly.
Only then did Bai Yichen feel relieved. He also took a dose of a tonic for replenishing energy and blood, beginning to circulate his technique to restore his internal energy.
After several battles, he was already somewhat exhausted, his complexion slightly pale.
Therefore, he had used his sword technique to deal with the enemies, not only to disrupt the Heishi assassins' morale but also to conserve some energy.
After a while, Bai Yichen slowly withdrew his palms, letting out a long sigh of relief.
Then, he proceeded to collect his spoils of war.
At that moment, the drizzle stopped, the dark clouds dispersed, and a gentle moonlight bathed them.
With the stars shining brightly, the battle had ceased under the moon's watchful gaze.
Master Guān Xū slowly opened his eyes, looking gratefully at Bai Yichen. Though he had been unconscious, he had vaguely sensed the situation around him.
In a weak voice, he said, "Young Master, I can't express my gratitude for saving my life today."
Bai Yichen smiled slightly and said, "Master Guān Xū, you don't need to be polite. As a fellow member of Xuanzhen Temple, it's only natural to lend a hand in times of need."
"Now that you have escaped from peril, you still need treatment. I believe the Heishi members have retreated. We should find our Master."
After speaking, Bai Yichen stood up, supporting Master Guān Xū as they headed toward the courtyard.
The night was deep and heavy as Bai Yichen hurriedly, yet carefully, supported the heavily injured Master Guān Xū into the courtyard.
Inside the courtyard, the moonlight poured down like water, casting the shadows of several figures on the ground.
Master Yunshou, the Hero of Yanbei, and Daoist Master Tongya had all gathered there, seemingly in the midst of discussing something.
However, upon seeing Bai Yichen and the severely injured Master Guān Xū, Master Yunshou quickly stepped forward, his brows furrowed with concern.
Daoist Master Tongya spoke first, "Let me and the Hero of Yanbei patrol the ancient forest and the temple grounds. There may be others like Nephew Guān Xū, who are seriously injured and unable to move, and we can lend them aid."
The Hero of Yanbei agreed.
Hearing this, Bai Yichen volunteered to join them.
Master Yunshou agreed with Daoist Master Tongya's suggestion and once again thanked both him and the Hero of Yanbei for their assistance. However, he rejected Bai Yichen's offer, insisting that he rest instead.
Without further questions, Master Yunshou extended his hands, channeling his internal energy into his palms, and began to treat Master Guān Xū's injuries.
Meanwhile, Daoist Master Tongya and the Hero of Yanbei left to patrol.
Bai Yichen stood nearby, a sense of worry weighing on him, as the atmosphere in the courtyard became as heavy as the night itself.
At this point, Master Yunshou withdrew his internal energy and sighed, "Although his life is no longer in danger, using the Jade Fragment Technique has left some lingering aftereffects. It will be difficult for him to break through in the future."
Master Guān Xū, having regained some strength, spoke weakly, "Thank you, Martial Uncle. It is a blessing just to have survived this ordeal. I dare not ask for more."
He then recounted how Bai Yichen had saved him, drawing Master Yunshou's repeated praise as he looked at Bai Yichen.
After Master Guān Xū finished, Master Yunshou stroked his long beard and smiled, "You may not know this, but not only did this young man accomplish that feat, the Hero of Yanbei also told me how Shaochong helped him deal with that old witch Wen."
He then proceeded to recount Bai Yichen's contribution in battling the Innate expert to Master Guān Xū.
Upon hearing this, Master Guān Xū was once again shocked. He had thought Bai Yichen's ability to take on four assassins and kill them all was already genius-level.
To learn that he had also played a strategic role in defeating a Innate expert was beyond genius—more like the reincarnation of a true sage.
As Bai Yichen listened, he realized that the Hero of Yanbei was a broad-minded person who did not focus on trivialities. He had downplayed Bai Yichen's swordsmanship and antidote work, sparing him from having to explain.