Ding Hao and Wan Qihang had just quelled a wave of attacks when the three from the Blood Fiend Sect led by Lu Xueyun rushed over quickly.
Although Ding Hao's expression remained unchanged, he was inwardly lamenting. These people truly seemed to detest him to the core. Two sects that had been bitter adversaries were willing to join forces against him. He was truly "honored".
Thoughts aside, he dared not slacken his actions even a trifle. With a sway of his form, another Ding Hao emerged. The newly separated Ding Hao charged directly towards the group from the Blood Fiend Sect, while the other remaining one suddenly launched an assault, sweeping his sword towards Wan Qihang.
Through ceaseless tempering, a rapid augmentation in cultivation, and the experiences amassed from successive battles, Ding Hao's Nine Nether Ghostly Phantom Art had finally attained some measure of success. He was now capable of splitting two phantom forms. Since it was arduous to distinguish between the genuine and the spurious phantom forms, with the combination of the real and the illusory in combat, Ding Hao's actual potency had increased. As long as the opponent's cultivation realm was not substantially higher, it was essentially impossible to discern which was the real body and which was the phantom, conferring upon him a significant advantage. Especially among those of the same cultivation level, with this movement technique, Ding Hao was as enigmatic as a specter.
When the Nine Nether Ghostly Phantom Art was cultivated to its zenith, nine phantom forms could be split out, which was the hallmark of attaining consummate mastery. Although he could only conjure up one faux body at present, it already enabled Ding Hao to handle affairs with facility. It was truly an extraordinary movement art.
Beholding the approaching separated Ding Hao, the group from the Blood Fiend Sect all exhibited expressions of disdain, as if they were convinced that this was a phantom form.
When this Ding Hao reached within five zhang of them, his figure abruptly became indistinct. They even surmised that the phantom form was on the verge of vanishing. Just as they were about to bypass and proceed forward, the Ding Hao who had been advancing towards Wan Qihang suddenly vanished without a trace.
When Lu Xueyun witnessed this scene, it seemed as if she recollected something. Her comely countenance changed drastically, and she exclaimed to the two behind her, "Junior brothers, beware of a snare!"
When these two heard this, they were about to be on guard, but it was already too late. Suddenly, two identical Ding Haos materialized behind them. Likewise brandishing great swords, the heaven-splitting sword qi seemed eager to rend the firmament and was already assailing them like bolts of lightning.
The one who reacted first promptly raised his sword to counter. When the sword qis clashed, the heaven-splitting sword qi dispatched by Ding Hao suddenly dissipated into the void, while the sword qi of the other Ding Hao intensified. Then a shriek was heard. Another disciple of the Blood Fiend Sect had been flung aloft by the sword glow. After landing, blood was spurting from his nose and mouth. He knelt on one knee, leaning on his sword and gasping for breath.
Just as Ding Hao was about to assail the other person, Wan Qihang and Lu Xueyun had arrived in unison. Without uttering a word, they launched their onslaughts. Although they were foes, their cooperation was truly tacit. They sandwiched Ding Hao from the left and the right. Amidst the crisscrossing sword qis, Ding Hao retreated incessantly.
Their cultivation levels were comparable to Ding Hao's. Individually, either of them had the confidence to slay Ding Hao. But when they joined forces, it was rather vexing. They could only maintain an unvanquished state. Achieving victory was probably a mere pipe dream.
Just as the three were engaged in combat, the other disciple of the Blood Fiend Sect who had recuperated his strength also approached stealthily. This person glared at Ding Hao malevolently and suddenly discharged a blood-colored resplendent sword glow from behind.
At this time, Ding Hao was being continuously repelled by the attacks of Wan Qihang and Lu Xueyun. Perceiving the sword glow approaching from behind, he steeled his resolve. His gradually retreating steps suddenly accelerated. The Reverse Heaven Demon Sword in his hand erupted with billowing black luminance, scarcely fending off the attacks of the two in front. A black astral shield instantaneously arose around his body. With a muffled resonance, Ding Hao disgorged a mouthful of blood in the air, but his figure vanished mysteriously like a wraith.
When he reappeared, he was already two zhang to the left of the person who had launched the sneak attack. The dazzling sword blossoms, like surging billows, were already raging towards this person. This person was secretly complacent about his successful sneak attack. He never anticipated that Ding Hao could still possess such an ability after withstanding such a potent blow. His flying sword could not even be drawn in time before being submerged by the sword glow.
After the sword glow passed, this person had been transmuted into a sanguineous mist and was slain on the spot by Ding Hao.
Just as Ding Hao slew this person, Wan Qihang and Lu Xueyun had arrived. Capitalizing on the moment when Ding Hao had just launched an attack, a red sword qi and a frigid yin qi hurtled towards him from the left and the right respectively.
Although Ding Hao knew that the two would assuredly not relinquish such an opportunity, he still did not expect them to be so expeditious. Having just withstood the blow from the sneak attacker, Ding Hao was already wounded. If it were not for his robust physique, he might have perished from that blow. At this time, the attacks of these two were so fierce. It was probably arduous to conclude this easily.
This thought flashed through his mind. His hands dared not be remiss. A white light orb in his left palm encountered Wan Qihang's cold yin ghost qi, and with a lift of his right hand, the overbearing sword qi of the Reverse Heaven Demon Sword swept out. After two thunderous booms, Ding Hao was blasted back eight zhang. He disgorged another mouthful of blood skyward. His retreating figure was like smoke and mist and disappeared in an instant.
"Ding Hao will surely remember the kindness of you two. When the day of departing the cave arrives, it will be the time of your demise!" Ding Hao's frigid laughter resounded from afar.
Wan Qihang and Lu Xueyun watched him depart helplessly. After all, his movement technique was truly too inscrutable.
Everyone regarded one another. Ding Hao could depart so composedly even after being so grievously injured. He really had the wherewithal to be arrogant. Glancing at the discomfited few and recalling Ding Hao's menacing words before leaving, they all regarded the people from the Blood Fiend Sect and the Soul Devouring Sect with schadenfreude.
After leaving everyone's sight, Ding Hao immediately soared away on the Reverse Heaven Demon Sword. After discovering a secluded cave, he sat cross-legged to recuperate his wounds. With the velocity of the Reverse Heaven Demon Sword, those people could not overtake him at all. So Ding Hao was extremely at ease.
In fact, Ding Hao's injury was not as severe as everyone imagined. Otherwise, he would not have been able to depart so composedly. It was merely that Ding Hao knew that even if he remained, he could not gain any advantage. If he summoned the Eight-Winged Purple Python and rode the Reverse Heaven Demon Sword, he could completely annihilate the people from the Blood Fiend Sect and the Soul Devouring Sect. But by then, his injury would be even more severe, and only the onlookers would profit. So he made the sagacious choice to leave.
Three months later.
Calculating, it was nearly time for the culmination of this Soul Refining Sect Gathering. Ding Hao arose from the cave and departed. The demonic qi encircling him dissipated. Ding Hao's originally pitch-black eyes became even more lustrous.
The injuries left from the last great battle had all healed. Although his cultivation had not advanced substantially, he had sorted out the combat experiences during this period and had a more profound understanding and integration of what he had learned.
In fact, Ding Hao did not have any fixed cultivation method in combat. Although it varied according to the circumstances, the only thing he could learn at present was the Nine Nether Ghostly Phantom Art. There were still many extraordinary skills chronicled in the Limitless Demon Art, but unfortunately, they all required the puissance of the Nascent Soul Realm to study. Among them, the most profound "God-Slaying and Heaven-Destroying Art" was extremely powerful, but unfortunately, his cultivation was insufficient. He could not even execute the first move.
Although he was no feebler than his peers now, his strength still required prompt augmentation. This time, he had offended the Blood Fiend Sect, the Soul Devouring Sect, and the Black Demon Sect. When leaving the cave, he would surely face the vengeance of their sects. Although he had a means to cope with it, his current cultivation was still inadequate.
Knowing that it was almost time for the Purgatory Demon Sect to open the cave, Ding Hao no longer hesitated. After vacating the cave, he proceeded towards the cave entrance according to his recollection.
After flying on the Reverse Heaven Demon Sword for a while, Ding Hao deliberated and sheathed the demon sword. He walked on the ground. The less his strength was exposed, the better. It was only beneficial and harmless to him. After walking for a while, suddenly an aberrant sound reached his ears. Ding Hao's heart stirred. He did not know which assemblage of people he had encountered.
Still in perplexity, the figures of the people manifested. It was the five people from the Purgatory Demon Sect led by Xu Feng. When they beheld Ding Hao's figure, they were all taken aback.
"Unexpectedly, Brother Ding Hao is one step ahead of us again. When entering the cave, Sister Xingran had enjoined us not to provoke you. At that time, I deemed it was because Sister was partial to you. Looking at Brother Ding's current strength, I truly feel abashed. Fortunately, we did not become your adversaries. Otherwise, it would probably be us who suffered!" Xu Feng said with a laugh when he saw Ding Hao.
"Brother Xu, you are being overly modest. Setting aside the strength of your sect, just you, Brother Xu, have the ability to slay me. These words truly make me ashamed!" Ding Hao replied placidly.
Seeing this person being so courteous, Ding Hao secretly commended. Setting aside other matters, just in terms of deportment, the Purgatory Demon Sect was truly not comparable to minor sects.
"Heh heh, we need not be diffident. To be candid, the few of us can indeed vanquish you, but we do not have any confidence to detain you. Brother Ding, your movement technique is truly arcane. May I ask presumptuously, is what you employ really the cultivation method of the Limitless Demon Sect? Why have we never heard of it?" Xu Feng saw that Ding Hao did not seem refractory to converse with and inquired.
"Heh heh, what I use is indeed the cultivation method of the Limitless Demon Sect. It's just that I had another fortuitous encounter. I'm regretful that I cannot disclose the particulars. I hope Brother Xu does not reproach me!" Ding Hao said with a faint smile.
"Of course! Of course! It was also my impertinent query. I'm highly grateful that Brother Ding can respond thus!" Seeing Ding Hao say so, Xu Feng promptly explained.
"Brother Ding, I do not know what rapport you have with our sister. Our sister seems to pay especial heed to you!" A tall and lanky person beside him said coldly, with an inimical expression. This person also had a late-stage Heart Stirring Realm cultivation.
Xu Feng regarded this person oddly but did not utter a word.
"Just a chance encounter. No relationship whatsoever!" Seeing his unfriendly words, Ding Hao of course would not be courteous to him and said coldly.
"Better be as you said. Otherwise, hmph!" This person gave a cold snort and ceased speaking.
"Otherwise, what? When is it your prerogative to interrogate my affairs? Is the Purgatory Demon Sect managed by you?" Ding Hao sneered icily.
As soon as these words were spoken, this person's face became incensed and he shouted, "You are truly arrogant, brat. Hmph! Don't suppose that just because you slew a few worthless individuals from the Soul Devouring Sect and the Black Demon Sect, no one can deal with you. I, Cheng Jiao, will surely let you know the means of the Purgatory Demon Sect!"
Just then, a few whistling sounds rang out. Xu Feng's countenance changed and he said to Cheng Jiao, "Cease your tomfoolery! The cave entrance is about to open. It's preferable to exit!" After saying that, he departed first.
Cheng Jiao turned to Ding Hao and grinned fiendishly, "Heh heh, dare to enter the cave and vie?"
"Why not!" Ding Hao sneered.
Then several people entered the cave. The final round of the Soul Refining Sect Gathering finally began.