After Qin Luo appeared, there was a disturbance in the distance. Both Han Yu and Yun Xi became alert, carefully observing the situation.


    Meanwhile, disciples of the Heavenly Serpent Sect and Blood Spirit Sect, who had been hiding in the shadows, flew over one after another and landed behind Qin Luo.


    There were more than twenty of them in total.


    The five sects entered the Eastern Forest Ruins, each with twenty slots. The Blood Spirit Sect and Heavenly Serpent Sect had a total of forty people, but half were already present. Adding the five disciples Lu Yi had killed earlier, only a few disciples from the two sects remained.


    Standing behind Qin Luo, the disciples of the Heavenly Serpent Sect and Blood Spirit Sect began to clamor arrogantly:


    "Lu Yi! You are truly arrogant! Knowing that Senior Brother Qin and Senior Brother Tianhen want your life, yet you remain here drinking and feasting. Do you even know the word ''death''?!"


    "So what if you are the Immortal Seed? You''re still going to die at the hands of our Senior Brother Qin!"


    "Lu Yi, stop struggling. Senior Brother Qin will give you a quick death!"


    "..."


    Qin Luo glanced at the roasted meat and wine in Lu Yi''s hands, his expression darkening. He sneered coldly at Lu Yi and said, "It seems you don’t take me or Brother Xue seriously."


    Lu Yi smiled faintly. "Not at all. I was just bored and needed something to pass the time."


    "Bored?" Qin Luo was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing.


    Dark golden light flowed around him, and his pitch-black pupils turned into dark yellow vertical slits. Patterns resembling dragon scales appeared on his face, and his aura grew more terrifying, even stirring up fierce winds that caused the branches of the ancient trees to sway.


    Everyone present felt as though a massive stone was pressing against their chests, leaving them breathless.


    In the distance, the cultivators of Cold Winter Valley changed expressions. One of them exclaimed in shock, "This is... the Heavenly Serpent Sect’s Nine Transformations of the Serpent technique? It’s said that each transformation causes a drastic change in both body and spiritual energy, greatly enhancing strength. Legend has it that after nine transformations, one can even transform into a dragon. The Heavenly Serpent Sect only possesses an incomplete version of this technique. To what level has Qin Luo cultivated it? How is he this terrifying?!"


    "Such strength... he might even rival Golden Core cultivators. Is he really still in the Foundation Establishment stage? This is too powerful!" Another Cold Winter Valley cultivator exclaimed in awe.


    Han Yu looked at Qin Luo in the distance, his eyes flashing with battle intent. His skin seemed to take on a crystalline appearance, exuding an extreme chill. He was slightly surprised and murmured, "To make my innate Ice Spirit Body react instinctively... Qin Luo must possess an incredibly powerful physique. Otherwise, he couldn’t have cultivated the incomplete Nine Transformations of the Serpent to such a degree while still in the Foundation Establishment stage. He’s a strong opponent."


    Han Yu stared deeply at Qin Luo before turning to Lu Yi with curiosity, whispering to himself, "An Immortal Seed, how will you handle such an opponent?"


    Elsewhere, two disciples from the Myriad Flowers Sect had slightly pale faces as they looked at Qin Luo, whose black hair was dancing wildly like a demon god. Their bright eyes showed a trace of fear.


    "So strong! Qin Luo is terrifyingly strong."


    "Can Young Master Lu really handle him? Will he die here?"


    Yun Xi observed Qin Luo and said seriously, "He is indeed very strong, not much weaker than me."


    Then, she looked at Lu Yi and, seeing his calm expression, added with confidence, "But Qin Luo is definitely not Fellow Daoist Lu Yi’s match."


    "Really?" The two Myriad Flowers Sect disciples looked at Lu Yi in surprise.


    "Just watch."


    Jiang Fan and his group also felt Qin Luo’s aura, their faces slightly pale.


    You Jing had a bitter smile. "Junior Brother Lu, can you handle this?"


    Wang Chuanlu said seriously, "Should we run now? But I don’t know if we can even escape."


    Jiang Fan had already taken out the ancient white bottle, his expression tense as he stared at Qin Luo.


    Lu Yi remained calm and said softly, "No need to worry, Senior Brothers."


    He looked at Qin Luo and smiled. "Where is Xue Tianhen? Why hasn’t he arrived yet? If it’s just you, this feels a bit lacking."


    Qin Luo narrowed his eyes, a sharp glint flashing within. He sneered and said, "I hope your strength matches your mouth."


    As he spoke, Qin Luo stomped the ground. With a loud boom, cracks spread across the ground. Blood energy surged around him like smoke, and he charged at Lu Yi with the ferocity of a wild beast.


    Lu Yi smiled faintly. "Body refinement? Perfect, I can test my body refinement technique."


    As he spoke, lightning flickered around his body, and mysterious lightning patterns appeared on his skin.


    Heavenly Thunder Jade Body Technique.


    Lu Yi also stepped forward, rushing toward Qin Luo.


    Both men’s surging vitality twisted the air around them, radiating terrifying primitive power.


    Qin Luo clenched his fist, his knuckles glowing with dark golden light as he punched toward Lu Yi.


    The fist radiated terrifying force, shining like the sun.


    Lu Yi reached out and grabbed Qin Luo’s fist.


    Boom!!


    When their fist and palm collided, a shockwave rippled outwards, causing the ancient trees around them to crack and their branches to shake. Leaves fell like rain.


    The ground beneath their feet caved in, forming a several-meter-wide pit.


    Qin Luo’s punch was firmly blocked by Lu Yi.


    After the initial clash, Lu Yi closed in, driving his left knee like a warhammer into Qin Luo’s chest. The resulting shockwave filled the area with white mist.


    Qin Luo turned his punch into a palm strike, blocking Lu Yi’s knee and using the momentum to leap into the air. He whipped his right leg toward Lu Yi’s head, creating a sharp sonic boom.


    Lu Yi reached out and caught Qin Luo’s leg. His fingers, like iron hooks, clamped onto Qin Luo’s ankle, and he swung him toward the ground.


    Qin Luo’s pupils shrank. As he neared the ground, he pressed both hands down, causing cracks to spread across the earth. Using the force, he kicked at Lu Yi’s chest with his other leg.


    Lu Yi blocked the kick and retreated, releasing Qin Luo’s ankle. Qin Luo used the opening to flip and land a short distance away.


    Their exchange had occurred in an instant—less than a single breath.


    Many Foundation Establishment disciples couldn’t even follow their movements. They only saw their silhouettes flash before both retreated, leaving behind a large pit surrounded by cracks.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Only a few disciples at the peak of Foundation Establishment, who were fairly talented, along with Han Yu and Yun Xi, could clearly see what was happening.


    "This... this... Lu Yi only broke through to the Foundation Establishment realm a year ago, yet he can fight Senior Brother Qin to a standstill?!"


    "Senior Brother Qin has cultivated the ''Nine Transformations of the Celestial Serpent!'' It''s said that if fully mastered, this technique approaches the level of an immortal scripture, capable of refining an unparalleled physique. How does Lu Yi possess such a terrifying body as well?!"


    The cultivators from Cold Winter Valley stared in disbelief at Lu Yi and Qin Luo, who were evenly matched in battle. They hadn''t expected Lu Yi''s strength to be this formidable.


    "What kind of body-refining technique is he cultivating? Lightning coils around his body, and thunder patterns shimmer across his skin. I''ve never seen this technique before," a disciple from Cold Winter Valley asked, puzzled.


    Han Yu looked deeply at Lu Yi and slowly spoke, "I heard that Lu Yi had an epiphany during his tribulation and fused the intent of thunder, the power of heavenly lightning, and a body-refining technique he had been practicing to create a new cultivation method. This must be that very technique."


    These words left the other disciples from Cold Winter Valley silent as they exchanged glances.


    "Lu Yi... actually created his own cultivation method?!"


    "His physique can even rival Qin Luo, who practices the ''Nine Transformations of the Celestial Serpent.'' Just how powerful is this technique?! And he created it while still in the Qi Refining Stage?"


    "No wonder he triggered a lightning tribulation... Such talent is simply monstrous."


    They could scarcely comprehend the magnitude of his talent.


    Even Han Yu had to admit that Lu Yi''s aptitude was truly exceptional.


    On the other side, Yun Xi and her companions were equally astonished by Lu Yi''s formidable physique.


    At this moment, Qin Luo was the most shocked of all. He stared intently at Lu Yi, disbelief evident in his eyes. Only he knew the true strength of his own body.


    Yet now, Lu Yi had managed to block him. Feeling the destructive, primal force emanating from Lu Yi, Qin Luo couldn''t help but be deeply affected.


    Then, a chilling killing intent surfaced in Qin Luo''s eyes. "No wonder the elders said you cannot be allowed to live. Just breaking through to Foundation Establishment and already possessing such strength... If you continue to grow, you''ll become a disaster! Today, I must kill you!"


    Lu Yi chuckled lightly. "With just you? I''m afraid that''s not enough."


    In truth, Lu Yi was also slightly surprised. He knew the exact strength of his body. Having cultivated the Heavenly Thunder Jade Body Technique to the fifth level, while it was one of his relatively weaker techniques, it was still beyond what most Golden Core cultivators could withstand.


    For Qin Luo to resist his attacks with only Foundation Establishment cultivation, he had to admit the man had some skill.


    Unfortunately, the one called Xue Tianhen hadn''t arrived yet. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have needed to waste time playing around.


    Lu Yi could only endure and wait a bit longer.


    "Hmph! You''ll find out soon enough!"


    With a low shout, Qin Luo summoned the shadow of a massive, sky-devouring serpent behind him. The serpent raised its head and let out a shrill hiss before merging into Qin Luo''s body.


    Qin Luo''s aura surged once more. Even the ground beneath him began to crack under the weight of his power, forming a web of fine fractures.


    "That''s the ''Celestial Serpent Transformation'' secret art!"


    "It''s the explosive technique within the ''Nine Transformations of the Celestial Serpent!'' I can''t believe Senior Brother Qin has resorted to this! That Lu Yi must be truly extraordinary."


    "But this will be the end for him. After using the Celestial Serpent Transformation, Senior Brother Qin''s strength is enough to kill a powerful Golden Core Stage cultivator at the fifth layer."


    Amidst the exclamations of the crowd, Qin Luo charged toward Lu Yi again.


    As a body cultivator, Qin Luo''s close-combat prowess was unparalleled. Once a body cultivator closed the distance, most cultivators could only endure the assault.


    Sensing Qin Luo''s explosive surge of power, Lu Yi raised an eyebrow and smiled. Lightning patterns flashed around his body as his aura similarly rose to meet the challenge.


    Boom!!


    Their fists collided, shattering the ground and snapping ancient trees. The space around them distorted as though the ruins themselves were wailing.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!!


    The two transformed into streaks of light, clashing repeatedly within a radius of several hundred meters. Each exchange produced deafening explosions.


    Waves of shockwaves rippled outward without pause. The ground was riddled with deep craters.


    Ordinary cultivators couldn''t even see their movements. Under the terrifying shockwaves, they scrambled to retreat.


    A Foundation Establishment disciple of the Blood Spirit Sect was a step too slow and was instantly reduced to a mist of blood by one of the shockwaves.


    Witnessing this, others felt chills run down their spines, breaking out into cold sweat as they retreated even faster.


    Even Jiang Fan and the others kept backing away, not daring to linger.


    Wang Chuanlu watched as Lu Yi punched an ancient tree several hundred meters tall, shattering it into splinters. He swallowed nervously. "Junior Brother is way too fierce!"


    "When Junior Brother Lu was in the trial tower, he probably didn''t even use his full strength!" You Jing remarked. "But if Junior Brother Lu used his full strength, wouldn''t he have earned even more resources?"


    Jiang Fan gave You Jing a sidelong glance and said, "Junior Brother Lu is the direct disciple of the Ling Luo Peak Master. He can already access any resource he needs."


    "..."


    You Jing and Wang Chuanlu fell silent, feeling as if their hearts had just been stabbed.


    The battle had turned the area within several hundred meters into ruins. Trees were shattered one after another, the ground was riddled with pits, and storms of energy swirled like blades, cutting through the air.


    No one dared to step foot into that zone.


    The battle between the two lasted only for a brief moment before a loud, unrestrained laugh echoed through the air.


    "Hahaha! Qin Luo, is this all your strength amounts to? You can''t even handle a junior who has only been at the Foundation Establishment stage for a year? And to think you''re hailed as the greatest genius of the Heavenly Serpent Sect in a thousand years."


    As soon as these words fell, the disciples of the Heavenly Serpent Sect glared angrily in the direction of the voice.


    When they saw the speaker, many of their expressions shifted slightly. It was Xue Tianhen.


    In Xue Tianhen''s hand were three severed heads. The eyes of the heads were wide open, filled with terror and unwillingness.


    Boom!!


    A loud explosion rang out as Qin Luo and Lu Yi clashed, both forced to retreat.


    Qin Luo''s face darkened as he coldly glanced at Xue Tianhen and said, "His strength is formidable. You wouldn''t fare any better."


    Xue Tianhen sneered disdainfully, "Only the weak make excuses."


    Spiritual energy surged around Qin Luo as he icily responded, "Xue Tianhen, do you want to die?"


    Xue Tianhen laughed heartily. "I''m just joking. Don''t take it seriously, Brother Qin."


    He then looked toward Lu Yi in the distance, grinning as he waved the severed heads and tossed them toward Lu Yi. "A gift for you. I ran into them on the way and killed them casually."


    Lu Yi had already noticed the heads in Xue Tianhen''s hands as he approached. The three were senior brothers from White Cloud Sect who had accompanied him earlier. Lu Yi had even sparred with them before. One of them, Yu Ling, was ranked second in the sect.


    Seeing the three heads being thrown over, Lu Yi extended his hand, using a strand of gentle spiritual energy to catch them and carefully place them on the ground.


    Behind him, Jiang Fan and the other two rushed forward. Upon seeing the heads, You Jing''s eyes turned red. "Brother Fang!"


    One of the severed heads belonged to his close friend.


    Wang Chuanlu and Jiang Fan also wore grim expressions as they glared at Xue Tianhen.


    Xue Tianhen, however, remained unfazed, his face bearing an unbridled grin despite their murderous gazes.


    He gestured at his neck with his hand and sneered at Lu Yi. "You''re next."


    In the distance, a female cultivator from Cold Winter Valley frowned slightly as she looked at Xue Tianhen and said, "Xue Tianhen is so bloodthirsty and arrogant. Is he not afraid of inviting karmic retribution?"


    Han Yu replied calmly, "The cultivation techniques of the Blood Spirit Sect focus on absorbing blood essence, inevitably affecting the practitioners'' temperament. Most disciples of the Blood Spirit Sect are bloodthirsty and fond of killing."


    "Such techniques are practically demonic!"


    On the other side, Yun Xi stared at Xue Tianhen with rage in her eyes and gritted her teeth. "I want to kill him. He killed several of our senior sisters from the Myriad Flowers Sect last time!"


    Two disciples from the Myriad Flowers Sect quickly held Yun Xi back. "Senior Sister Yun Xi! No, you can''t go over there right now!"


    Lu Yi knelt down and gently closed the eyes of the three severed heads, letting out a soft sigh. "Three senior brothers, I will send this man to join you shortly."


    Hearing this, Xue Tianhen burst out laughing. "You? Don''t make me laugh. My sense of humor is rather sensitive."


    Lu Yi ignored him and turned to Jiang Fan and the others. "Senior brothers, please take care of these heads for now."


    You Jing nodded, carefully collecting the heads.


    The three looked at Lu Yi''s cold expression and felt a sudden chill. They instinctively backed away, moving to a safer distance.


    They had a feeling—Lu Yi was angry.


    Lu Yi then turned to face Xue Tianhen and Qin Luo.


    Xue Tianhen smirked arrogantly. "Done saying your goodbyes? Ready to die?"


    Lu Yi''s face remained calm. "I''ve been waiting for you both to gather. Now I can send you on your way."


    Hearing this, both Xue Tianhen and Qin Luo''s faces turned icy.


    "Courting death!"


    "Ignorant fool, I''ll refine you into a blood puppet!"


    Spiritual energy surged around them as they prepared to charge at Lu Yi.


    Suddenly, golden sword lights erupted around Lu Yi, shooting into the sky and slicing through the air. The space trembled as the sword lights slashed toward the two men.


    Their faces changed drastically. Qin Luo roared as dark golden light flickered across his body, forming a protective armor.


    Xue Tianhen summoned a blood-colored spirit orb above his head, releasing streams of bloodlight that formed a barrier before him.


    But it was futile. The golden sword lights carried nearly fifty percent of Lu Yi''s sword intent and the indestructible sword energy of the Perfection Realm, obliterating all in their path.


    In an instant, three sword lights shattered Qin Luo''s protective armor, slicing him into pieces.


    Four more sword lights pierced through Xue Tianhen''s blood barrier, striking his body and reducing him to a mist of blood.


    In the distance, the disciples of the Heavenly Serpent Sect and Blood Spirit Sect were wide-eyed with horror.


    "Senior Brother Qin?!"


    "Impossible! Senior Brother Tianhen!"


    Regaining their senses, they tried to flee, but golden sword lights swept through them, shredding every last one.


    The entire forest fell silent.


    Whether it was Jiang Fan and his companions, the disciples of Cold Winter Valley, or those of the Myriad Flowers Sect, all stared at Lu Yi in shock.