It was unclear whether it was a coincidence or if Xu Fu had mastered some secret technique, but a gust of wind suddenly blew into the bamboo forest, causing the whole area to rustle.
The dense mist within the bamboo forest became chaotic. Xu Fu, with his robes fluttering, walked through the swirling mist and light rain, exuding a significant presence.
Cao Yi got a clear look at Xu Fu. His appearance was ordinary, with a beard on his chin, a very thin frame, and a pale complexion that gave him a sickly look. As he walked, he seemed so light that it felt like he could be blown away by the wind at any moment.
"So there are two more helpers," Xu Fu said, noticing Cao Yi and Ye Lu Zhi Gu from a distance, disregarding the darkness of the bamboo forest.
"Return the treasure box," Cao Yi demanded, shaking the bell.
The urgent chime echoed, and Ye Lu Zhi Gu, who had been standing still, suddenly charged forward, moving much faster than he had against the soldiers.
Xu Fu put down the treasure box and drew a bronze sword from his waist to engage, skillfully sidestepping Ye Lu Zhi Gu's attack. However, his sword still suffered a notch.
"What tremendous power! What a divine weapon!" Xu Fu's expression turned serious.
Ye Lu Zhi Gu retaliated, and in less than ten breaths, his giant axe swept through several rows of bamboo, sending them crashing to the ground. If Xu Fu hadn't dodged quickly, he would have lost his head. With a loud 'bang,' Xu Fu's bronze sword snapped in half.
Ye Lu Zhi Gu was about to continue his assault when a sudden brilliance appeared in front of him, momentarily stunning him.
"Go!" Xu Fu shouted lightly.
The bamboo around them seemed to rise as if controlled by an invisible force, shooting toward Ye Lu Zhi Gu. However, none inflicted any real harm, falling powerless to the ground.
"You're one of those mentioned in the scroll with my master; such things really exist in this world," Xu Fu realized.
Ye Lu Zhi Gu didn't waste words. He swung his giant axe again.
"Evil spirit, let me show you a celestial technique from beyond!" Xu Fu said, retreating while quickly forming seals with his hands.
His body emitted a golden glow that shot outward, instantly transforming the dark bamboo forest into a sea of gold. The soldiers outside the forest gasped in astonishment.
Ye Lu Zhi Gu pursued, and just as his long axe was about to descend, a giant hand made of golden energy appeared out of thin air, grabbing his axe.
Cao Yi, shaking the bell, felt as though he was sinking into quicksand, astonished that this version of Xu Fu possessed such power.
Despite his surprise, he pressed on, fully activating the Golden Liquid Rejuvenation Method, the sound of the bell resonating like thunder throughout the bamboo grove.
Encouraged by the stimulus, Ye Lu Zhi Gu broke free from the grasp of the golden hand and swung his axe down. It was supposed to strike Xu Fu but instead hit the ground, creating a significant crater.
Ten steps to the left, a massive golden figure appeared, towering over Ye Lu Zhi Gu, who seemed like a child next to it.
"Evil spirit!" the golden figure declared, bringing its hands down as if wielding weapons.
Ye Lu Zhi Gu braced himself to counter.
With a resounding crash, he was forced back several steps.
"Only a few steps back!" Xu Fu exclaimed, surprised.
"What a magnificent golden figure; I have something similar!" Cao Yi exclaimed, producing the Underworld Flower Stone Plate and tossing it into the air.
Blood-red light shot forth from the plate, instantly covering the golden glow that filled the bamboo forest, dimming the golden figure's brilliance.
Cao Yi continued shaking the bell.
Ye Lu Zhi Gu attacked again, striking the golden figure. A loud explosion erupted as the golden figure shattered, sending golden flecks scattering everywhere.
Ye Lu Zhi Gu's axe flew from his hand.
Xu Fu, like a leopard, darted out from the shadows, wielding a red small sword, aiming for Ye Lu Zhi Gu's heart, penetrating an inch deep.
Ye Lu Zhi Gu let out a fierce howl, gripping the red sword and breaking it on the spot.
Seeing the situation was dire, Xu Fu attempted to flee.
"Shoot arrows! Shoot arrows…" came the command as another volley of arrows rained down.
Cao Yi opened the gourd, transforming its mouth into a black hole that absorbed the arrows.
"There's still the treasure box," Cao Yi said, moving toward it and pointing the gourd's mouth at the box, which vanished in a flash.
"Shoot arrows! Shoot arrows…" Xu Fu's voice called from a distance, clearly using the soldiers as a shield for his escape.
"The Underworld Flower must now fulfill its true purpose," Cao Yi thought, looking at the glowing stone plate still hovering above.
The Underworld Flower Stone Plate suddenly unleashed a more potent red light, surging out of the bamboo forest and sweeping across the surroundings.
The five hundred soldiers were affected and ceased firing arrows.
"Go wait for me at the Lü residence in Peixian," Cao Yi instructed.
Cui Wenzi, stunned by the magical battle between his disciple and Cao Yi, finally came to his senses and ran in another direction.
Once he was far enough away, Cao Yi collected the Underworld Flower Stone Plate and, taking advantage of the soldiers' confusion, pursued Xu Fu's fleeing figure.
---
**Days later.**
In a certain location, tens of thousands of Qin soldiers had just set up camp. Inside the largest tent, the flickering shadows danced.
Ying Zheng knelt at a small table, processing bamboo slips sent by officials from various regions. Years of diligent governance had taken a toll on his health.
After coughing a few times, he raised his head and murmured, "Xu Fu, I hope you can truly help me find the immortal medicine this time."
Just then, hurried footsteps approached the tent, followed by a familiar voice: "Minister Xu Fu seeks an audience with Your Majesty."
If it were anyone else, they would have been killed for entering without announcement, but Xu Fu was different.
"Do you have news of the immortal medicine?" Ying Zheng asked instinctively.
"I have already found the immortal medicine," Xu Fu said respectfully from outside the tent.
"What? Come in!" Ying Zheng, who had been holding his breath for decades, suddenly felt agitated.
After a lifetime of seeking the immortal medicine, he had finally found it.
The curtain was drawn back, and Xu Fu entered with his head bowed.
"Quickly present the immortal medicine!" Ying Zheng leaned forward, unable to hide his excitement.
"Here it is," Xu Fu raised his head, opening his mouth to reveal his white, zombie-like fangs.
"Protect the emperor!" Ying Zheng shouted in shock, grabbing the bronze sword next to him and springing up, knocking the table over.
Xu Fu lunged forward like a ravenous wolf.