Chapter 22: Battle

Qu Yi smiled calmly at Liu Qingfeng, yet his Green Python Sword was tightly grasped in his hand, ready at any moment to defend against Liu Qingfeng’s counterattacks.
“You… you actually hid your strength. You’re already at the later stage of Qi Guidance.” Liu Qingfeng was still in shock, his expression extremely strange.
Indeed, earlier Qu Yi only showed signs of the early stage of Qi Guidance, but now he had demonstrated the strength of the later stage. How could Liu Qingfeng not be shocked?
Qu Yi nodded, while using his left hand to signal Bai Man to fly into the air on the Golden Crown Heron.
After all, Liu Qingfeng was at the later stage of Foundation Building, far surpassing Qu Yi in both realm and cultivation level. How could Qu Yi let Bai Man be in danger? However, without Mu Qiushui’s interference, Qu Yi still wanted to confront Liu Qingfeng head-on. First, the strength of his internal Qi was already on par with that of someone in the early stage of Foundation Building. Second, he could use metal-based spells, which could counter Liu Qingfeng’s wood-based spells. Coupled with his speed techniques, Qu Yi was confident he could compete with Liu Qingfeng.
Bai Man understood immediately and urged the Golden Crown Heron to fly into the air.
Liu Qingfeng didn’t stop her and continued to stare at Qu Yi, asking coldly, “Just now, what treasure did you use to block my attacks?”
Someone at the later stage of Foundation Building attacking someone at the later stage of Qi Guidance—and being blocked outright—was completely beyond Liu Qingfeng’s understanding. Confused, he naturally wanted to find out.
“Why should I tell you?” Qu Yi replied with a casual smile.
Liu Qingfeng’s expression froze for a moment before his entire body grew icy. His wooden sword shot out, floating in front of him.
At the later stage of Foundation Building, the soul had solidified, allowing him to control his sword with his soul for long-range attacks.
“I just don’t believe it. Using a defensive treasure must require Qi, right? I’ll drain all your Qi now and then crush you.” Liu Qingfeng said fiercely.
Any magical artifact required Qi to activate, especially advanced ones, which demanded even more. Liu Qingfeng guessed that Qu Yi must have used a defensive artifact of high rank to block his attacks, which would require a great deal of Qi to operate. Thus, he could easily drain Qu Yi’s Qi and then kill him.
“Indeed, a good plan. Since you intend to kill me, then come at me.” Qu Yi replied casually before shifting his demeanor and preparing to fight seriously.

Killing Mu Qiushui, who was in the middle stage of the Foundation Establishment phase, was due to a successful ambush. Killing the demonic beasts at the same stage was because of their lack of intelligence. Now, facing Liu Qingfeng, who excelled in strength, wisdom, and cunning, Qu Yi certainly wouldn’t dare rely on any luck.

“Swift Wood Soars!”

With a light shout, Liu Qingfeng didn’t move, yet the green wooden sword in front of him shot forward, aiming straight at Qu Yi. Controlled by his spiritual essence, the sword moved at incredible speed—so fast that a single blink could mean Qu Yi’s death.

Qu Yi remained calm. Seeing the sword’s speed, he was alarmed and immediately sent his Golden Element Qi to power the Green Python Sword. The sword then swung violently, releasing a three-foot-long golden python that rushed at the wooden sword.

The Green Python Sword was a top-tier magical weapon, containing a Green Python formation. As long as Qi was used to activate it, the formation would come to life. By using his Golden Element Qi, Qu Yi naturally summoned a golden python.

The golden python collided fiercely with the wooden sword, and Qu Yi’s Golden Element Qi clashed with Liu Qingfeng’s Wood Element Qi, producing continuous explosions. After a while, the golden python turned into a golden gas cloud and disappeared, while Liu Qingfeng’s wooden sword stopped advancing as well. Its Wood Element Qi was nearly exhausted, leaving it unable to inflict any harm on Qu Yi. Thus, Liu Qingfeng quickly returned to his sword.

Liu Qingfeng glared coldly at Qu Yi, especially at the Green Python Sword in his hands, his hatred growing. He hadn’t expected Master Huaiqing to give Qu Yi such a high-quality magical weapon. Moreover, Qu Yi’s Golden Element Qi counteracted his own Wood Element Qi, meaning he would need to exert even more effort to kill him.

Qu Yi countered with a strike, now having a rough idea of Liu Qingfeng’s strength. By using half of his Golden Element Qi to power the Green Python Sword, he had managed to block Liu Qingfeng’s probing attack. With the amount of Qi he currently had, he could only withstand eight more attacks—this situation was extremely dangerous.

“Master actually gave you the Green Python Sword? Truly unexpected. But it’s useless. The Fei Wood Sword in my hand is also a top-tier magical weapon. I just threw out a casual move, yet you had to go all out to defend. Heh, you’re doomed to die here today,” Liu Qingfeng said triumphantly.

At the later stages of Foundation Establishment and Qi Guidance, the difference in their internal Qi was enormous, yet Liu Qingfeng remained confident.

Qu Yi raised his eyebrows and smiled, “If you want to fight, then fight. Why so much talk?”

At that moment, the “Five Elements and Three Flowers” card in Qu Yi’s body was frantically absorbing the natural Qi from the world, rapidly converting it into mixed Qi to replenish the Golden Element Qi he had lost.

The Artifact God had said that cards could accelerate the absorption of spiritual energy, and now Qu Yi truly experienced this, which gave him the confidence to deal with Liu Qingfeng’s attacks. With his vital energy unbroken and his metal-type vital energy counteracting Liu Qingfeng’s wood-type vital energy, Qu Yi became much more confident. Who would run out of vital energy first? “Alright, Virtual Wood Chain Strike!” Seeing Qu Yi’s relaxed expression, Liu Qingfeng was extremely displeased and immediately launched an attack. The Fei Mu Sword suddenly flew out at high speed, transforming into a virtual sword that seemed to aim at Qu Yi’s left hand, then his right hand, and at first glance even seemed to want to cut off his feet—its movements were bizarre and unpredictable. Qu Yi was shocked and felt overwhelmed. He had only been practicing cultivation for a year and had never seen such a flying sword technique; he didn’t know how to deal with these illusory sword strikes. Suddenly, the Centimeter Realm Ball in his soul trembled, and under its green glow, Qu Yi realized he could now see through the sword’s trajectory. The sword’s speed came from the infusion of wood-type vital energy, allowing it to take on a virtual form—it wasn’t that the sword itself had become intangible. But the soul of the Artifact God was incredibly powerful; in his eyes, such speed was even slower than that of a snail. He immediately informed Qu Yi, who thus grasped the true direction of the sword’s movement. Bang! When the sword finally struck at Qu Yi, the Green Python Sword in his hand transformed into a golden python, which charged straight at the sword. With a loud noise, the golden python disappeared, and the sword slowly flew back. Liu Qingfeng infused vital energy into the Fei Mu Sword, mostly to support its speed changes, with little left for attacks. Yet Qu Yi used all his strength, and with his metal-type vital energy counteracting the wood-type, the collision ended in a draw. “How is this possible?” Liu Qingfeng stared at Qu Yi in disbelief, his mouth wide open. Qu Yi had no primordial spirit—how could he see through his own sword’s trajectory? Liu Qingfeng simply couldn’t understand. Qu Yi laughed heartily, pointing his Green Python Sword at Liu Qingfeng and shouting, “Liu Qingfeng, you despicable wretch! I told you we would fight in ten years. I never expected that in less than a year, you’d try to kill me so ruthlessly. Didn’t expect that, right? I’ve had good fortune, and now it’s extremely difficult for you to get rid of me. In ten years, I’ll make sure you’re torn to pieces!” Hearing this, Liu Qingfeng’s face turned icy cold, his eyes like those of a venomous snake. “I have to admit, you’ve improved too fast. I’ve also sensed some danger. To eliminate future threats, I must kill you today,” Liu Qingfeng said resentfully. At that moment, Qu Yi took the initiative to attack first.

“I’m not destined to be your target; it’s time for me to attack you instead.” Qu Yi dashed forward as he spoke.
Every inch was worth its weight in gold!
Qu Yi used his secret technique, channeling all his golden energy to propel his body like an arrow leaving the bow, straight at Liu Qingfeng. By now, Qu Yi had reached the later stage of energy control, and this golden-speed technique made him even faster.
In the blink of an eye, Qu Yi arrived in front of Liu Qingfeng, swinging his Green Python Sword instantly.
Liu Qingfeng was startled at first, but a smile appeared on his lips. He quickly swung his Jade Wood Sword, creating a wall of wood energy that blocked Qu Yi’s fierce attack.
The moment he used his energy to defend against Qu Yi, Liu Qingfeng immediately swung his Jade Wood Sword again, its tip glowing green as it slashed toward Qu Yi’s back.
Qu Yi, moving at full speed, had his back exposed right below Liu Qingfeng’s line of sight, seemingly about to be pierced by the sword. But just as the sword descended, a surge of energy rippled across Qu Yi’s back. With a loud bang, golden and wood energy collided violently where the sword tip touched his back.
While focusing on slashing Qu Yi’s back, Liu Qingfeng neglected to defend himself. Qu Yi, floating parallel to him, thrust his sword sharply, piercing Liu Qingfeng’s chest right at his heart.
Ding!
A crisp sound came from Liu Qingfeng’s chest, and the Green Python Sword stopped moving forward—apparently, Liu Qingfeng was wearing defensive armor.
“How… is that possible? I clearly saw you use all your golden energy—how could you still activate your defensive artifact?” Liu Qingfeng shouted in shock as he drifted away.
Qu Yi was equally surprised. His carefully planned attack still hadn’t killed Liu Qingfeng, which disappointed him greatly.
Earlier, Qu Yi had deliberately used his golden energy to maximize his speed, forcing Liu Qingfeng to defend desperately. Meanwhile, he secretly used wood energy to activate the “Five Energies and Three Flowers” divine technique to protect his back. Then, he quickly transformed water energy in his body into golden energy and launched a fierce thrust—yet it still missed.
His internal organs were all connected to the sea of energy, his most crucial secret. He had hoped to use this strange ability to kill Liu Qingfeng, but it failed, reducing his confidence slightly.
Liu Qingfeng calmed his thoughts and realized Qu Yi possessed many secrets. He might not be able to kill him today. Moreover, his top-grade Ice Silkworm Armor had been pierced. Continuing the fight risked further injury.
Gugu!
At just the right moment, a golden crown heron called out in the air.

Liu Qingfeng was even more shocked. If he fought hard to kill Qu Yi, his true energy would be completely exhausted, and facing the attack of the Golden Crown Heron, he would surely die there as well.
Whoosh!
Liu Qingfeng suddenly flew away.