Chapter 166: It Isn’t Over Yet

But now was not the time to dwell on such thoughts. When the moment came, without hesitation, I turned and ran toward the main gate of Tianyang Mountain.

From afar, I could already hear the sounds of fighting and shouting echoing from the gate. It seemed the battle was still raging on, which meant we still had a chance.

Snow continued to fall relentlessly from the sky, heavy and thick, obstructing my vision. I could hear the noise but could not see any figures.

None of that mattered anymore. I had to rush to the battlefield to provide support, to hold everyone off until the main forces returned.

That last fight had been won only thanks to Bailiuhua’s extraordinary assistance. Without her, I wouldn’t have stood a chance; I might even have died there.

I finally realized Bailiuhua’s true value—not only did she help me stay alert while I studied my cultivation methods, but at critical moments, she could also supply me with spiritual energy.

Moreover, Bailiuhua combined with the bloodline within me greatly enhanced my endurance. Yet I noticed she still had a cooldown period.

As these thoughts crossed my mind, I found myself near the gate. The sounds of combat grew louder, and I began to make out several shapes.

Drawing closer, the scene became clear. The situation was dire; many bodies lay strewn at the gate.

Not only disciples of Tianyang Mountain but also many from the Xia family had been slaughtered. Everyone fought with their lives on the line, throwing caution to the wind—a determination I had not expected.

Elder Yan led from the front. Despite his age, his skill remained formidable. He was locked in a fierce stalemate against two experts of the Spirit Lotus Realm.

The three-foot-long sword in Elder Yan’s hand glowed purple, dazzling against the snowy backdrop. He had sustained some injuries, but nothing severe.

On the other side, Chen Chen was matched against a Xia family member of the Spirit Lotus Realm. His spear danced with fluid grace, wielded expertly.

Since reaching the Spirit Lotus Realm, Chen Chen’s massive white tiger had grown even fiercer, summoned intermittently to strike mercilessly at foes.

Though Li Zijian’s strength was somewhat weaker, his coordination with Old Li was seamless. Li Zijian wielded a heavy spear—a cumbersome weapon difficult to master but devastatingly powerful.

With the spear’s fierce swings, several enemies were wounded, and with Old Li’s support, they showed no hesitation facing multiple Spirit Flower Realm opponents from the Xia family.

Other disciples fought with equal ferocity. What stood out most vividly in my memory were the twins.

One was named Wu Yi, the other Wu Er. Though both were slender in build, they were anything but weak in battle.

Each wielded a two-meter-long staff, striking a stark contrast to their slight frames.

The remaining fighters each faced an opponent. Whenever one was injured, they would quickly retreat to be replaced by someone of equal strength.

The battle remained evenly matched for a time. I could not stand idly by and sought out a Spirit Lotus First Rank member of the Xia family.

This was the man I had just faced, who had now switched to a heavy sword.

“How’s it going? The boss let you go?” he sneered, surprised to see me alive, perhaps having assumed I was already dead.

“He’s dead,” I said coldly. A flicker of disdain crossed his face, but he seemed skeptical. Running his hand over his heavy sword, he said, “The boss must have taken pity on you...”

I had no time for his nonsense. Summoning the Snow Blade, I charged at him. Without hesitation, he raised his heavy sword to block.

Heavy swords are cumbersome and slow but deliver tremendous power. Though his strike would not cleave me in half, it was deadly.

His muscular frame suited the heavy sword perfectly. Even through his black robe, the lines of his muscles were clear.

With a shaved head and a scar across his face, he looked every bit the outlaw—one who did not play by the rules.

I showed no mercy and unleashed a Thunder Rush strike. It hit his sword, but he only staggered back slightly, unharmed.

His defense was strong—a tank-type fighter. So I resolved to defeat him with sheer speed.

Easier said than done. I circled him, striking repeatedly, but every time my blow neared, a golden protective shield flickered around him—like a Vajra dome.

Yet such a shield could not cover him completely. I held back, watching carefully, searching for any exposed weakness.

“What are you staring at?” he roared, then swung his sword down in a direct strike. Focused on observing, I failed to notice his blade.

By the time I reacted, I could only brace my blade against his heavy sword.

The power of that strike was immense; I felt a wave of spiritual energy ripple outward from our clash.

Clenching my teeth, I poured all my strength into pushing his sword away, then slashed toward his abdomen.

My blade seemed to pierce through the shield, leaving a gash on his belly. He glanced down, then sneered with a brutish face:

“You little bastard, prepare to die.”

He swung again, but I was no fool. I instantly dodged, and his sword crashed into the ground, leaving a huge crater—a testament to his formidable strength.

Seizing the chance, I circled behind him and struck several more times.

But those attacks were like pecking at stone—ineffective. Where was his weak spot? I couldn’t afford to waste time locked in a duel with him.

Just as I pondered this, a memory surfaced—when, not long ago, during the Ghost King’s game, Chen Chen, Li Zijian, and I had gone to Haijiang Town to retrieve a token. There was that black bear—invulnerable except for its eyes.

If that was the case, why not try attacking the eyes of this giant?

No hesitation. As he raised his sword again to stab at me, I took a quick step forward and drew a dagger.

Just as I was about to plunge it into his eye, that damned shield appeared, firmly blocking my dagger.

He punched me, sending me flying backward. In midair, I spat blood.

Landing, I scrambled up quickly, muttering to myself. Something was wrong—his eyes should have been the most vulnerable spot.

“Hahaha, little brat, you really think you can touch me? Dream on,” the giant sneered, raising his sword and charging at me again.