Did Zhan Tianxiang feel anything? Jian Xiaolou certainly didn't. Under the oppressive pressure of an impending storm, she remained in her sea of consciousness, contemplating the second set of methods in the Kṣitigarbha Sutra—Earthing Technique.
The Earthing Technique was a defensive cultivation method, similar to the Body Tempering Technique she had been practicing. It was used to fortify the physical body and enhance its resistance. However, as a growth-type technique, it possessed an extraordinary supernatural ability. When the body suffered spiritual energy attacks, it could partially transform the body into a conductor, channeling the opponent's power into the ground while sustaining only minor damage.
She had grasped some key insights into the technique, memorized the incantations, and was only waiting for an opportunity to test it in practice.
Hearing Mu Ruyi's voice, she hurriedly withdrew from her sea of consciousness.
By now, the demonic energy had nearly dissipated, and spiritual energy surged within the cave heaven like rolling waves of smoke, undulating up and down. The source of this spiritual energy was the cave where Zhan Tianming was forming his core.
The frequency of the air currents' vibrations gradually increased.
Cracks began to appear on the stone walls outside the cave, a sign of structural collapse caused by excessive internal pressure.
These phenomena confirmed one fact—
"Tianming has successfully formed his core!"
Eyes bright as stars, Mu Ruyi flushed with excitement. "He did it! He really did it! Even without my bloodfire, he still succeeded!"
Over the past days, only she knew how deeply worried she had been.
Now, she could finally breathe a sigh of relief, both for Zhan Tianming and herself. Although dual cultivation with him had been voluntary, who would willingly face the Five Declines of Heaven and Man?
Zhan Tianxiang was also slightly dazed.
Yes, he had always despised Zhan Tianming's way of doing things—despised him to the core. But he had to admit that Zhan Tianming was truly extraordinary. Even if his own heavenly soul weren't damaged and he had always been a normal person, he probably wouldn't have been as accomplished as Zhan Tianming.
If the Zhan family were in his hands, it would undoubtedly collapse.
No wonder their parents only had eyes for Zhan Tianming.
Not to mention them—Jian Xiaolou found herself somewhat impressed by Zhan Tianming. Despite the intrusion of demonic blood into his heart meridian and the inherent flaws of the Zhan family's cultivation technique, Zhan Tianming had overcome immense pressure and defeated his inner demons to successfully form a golden core. His determination was truly remarkable.
However...
Success was one thing; destiny couldn't be avoided. Hidden beneath the golden core's aura was a demonic energy that resembled a deep-sea beast lurking in the shadows, waiting to attack.
Jian Xiaolou tugged at Zhan Tianxiang's sleeve and pointed to the stone walls.
The cracks caused by spiritual pressure were not only deepening but also turning black.
"Ruyi, stop daydreaming and come over quickly!" Noticing the black streaks, Zhan Tianxiang's brows furrowed deeply. Summoning a silver spear into his hand, he stepped in front of Jian Xiaolou and called out to Mu Ruyi.
"What's wrong? Why do you look so grim?" Mu Ruyi was still caught up in her excitement and failed to notice anything unusual. Just as she was wondering, a loud explosion echoed through the air. The cave behind her suddenly erupted, and a torrent of air and debris blasted her into the air. She crashed against the stone wall before collapsing to the ground. Her throat heaved, and with a cough, she spat out a mouthful of blood.
It all happened so fast that Zhan Tianxiang and Jian Xiaolou had no time to react.
Fortunately, Mu Ruyi's cultivation was strong enough that she avoided severe injuries.
"What happened?" Supporting herself with a protective barrier, she crawled out of the rubble, dazed.
Zhan Tianming emerged from the cave, his posture tall and upright. The gentle contours of his face had become harsh and cold. His eyes were unfocused, and the spiritual and demonic energies around him intertwined chaotically—a textbook case of Qi deviation.
Mu Ruyi was shocked. "Didn't he already overcome the flaws in his technique and successfully form his core? How could he still fall into Qi deviation?!"
Zhan Tianming raised his hand mechanically. With a simple gesture, he clutched her throat through the air, lifting her effortlessly off the ground.
With a squeeze, he prepared to crush her windpipe.
"Let her go!"
Clang!
Zhan Tianxiang's energy surged, and his protective aura burst forth like a dragon. Spear in hand, he lunged at Zhan Tianming.
In his current state, Zhan Tianming operated purely on instinct. Letting go of Mu Ruyi, he shifted his attack to Zhan Tianxiang.
Jian Xiaolou quickly dashed forward with her protective barrier and dragged the unconscious Mu Ruyi to safety.
"Big Brother!" While fending off Zhan Tianming, Zhan Tianxiang called out sternly, "Big Brother, you're so close! Didn't you always scold me for giving up halfway? Are you going to give up halfway now?!"
Zhan Tianming showed no response. The gap in their strength was too vast. Within a few moves, Zhan Tianxiang was completely outmatched.
With a palm strike, Zhan Tianming sent Zhan Tianxiang flying. He felt as if half his bones were shattered, his Qi flow disrupted, and his blood surged up to his head.
Barely conscious, Zhan Tianxiang found himself being lifted off the ground by Zhan Tianming's choking grasp.
"Hey, look over here!"
Jian Xiaolou, sensing the dire situation, activated the Karma-Severing Sword and slashed at Zhan Tianming.
Despite her lower cultivation level, the sword's energy collided with the demonic aura surrounding Zhan Tianming, igniting black flames and forcing him back several steps.
The demonic aura around Zhan Tianming seemed to feel fear, which quickly turned into fury. Overwhelmed by demonic energy, it formed a sword that struck toward Jian Xiaolou at lightning speed!
I'm doomed!
Jian Xiaolou panicked inwardly. Not only had they failed to wake Zhan Tianming, but they had driven him further into madness.
And this strike—too fast, too strong—was impossible to block!
Just as she prepared to summon her spirit beast, Xiao Hei, she grabbed it back.
"Fluffy! Yes, Fluffy, come out! Your master's about to meet her end!"
Jian Xiaolou had never used Fluffy before, nurturing it within her sea of consciousness. Though familiar, their bond was untested. The spiritual connection required time, and while Fluffy was lazily awakening, the energy sword was already upon her!
Suddenly, a figure stepped in front of her.
Zhan Tianxiang spread his arms wide, without even forming a protective barrier, and took the full brunt of the energy sword with his body.
"You're insane!" Jian Xiaolou exclaimed, panic-stricken.
But Zhan Tianxiang appeared completely unscathed.
Not only that, but he quickly cast several spells, dropping formation flags to pin Zhan Tianming in place.
Slowly, "Zhan Tianxiang" turned his head and smiled wickedly at her, revealing four sharp fangs. "Bitch, fancy meeting you again..."
Jian Xiaolou froze, taking a deep breath. "Bastard! It's you."