Originated from mountains and seas, life never ends

No further words are needed; Qin Xiao's demeanor speaks volumes.

"You might die," Huangfu Lin kindly reminded him.

Qin Xiao did not answer.

"How indifferent," Huangfu Lin chuckled.

The next second, the boy who had just been politely reminding them from a short distance away suddenly appeared in front of them, his fist aimed straight at their face!

Qin Xiao was prepared and launched a slash with his sword, which Huangfu Lin easily dodged.

Huangfu Lin remained relaxed, turning slightly to dodge the attack, but was secretly alarmed.

Why... do I feel like I can't accept this?

In fact, Huangfu Lin had originally intended to withstand the slash head-on, but for some reason, as he watched the dark blade getting closer and closer, his beast-like intuition told him that he absolutely could not touch it, and he only hesitated for a fraction of a second before deciding to dodge.

The slash swept past Huangfu Lin's hair and easily cleaved the tree behind him in two.

Huangfu Lin met the boy's dark eyes and instinctively felt that he could not delay any longer and needed to enter that area as soon as possible to cooperate with Shen Yuran and the others to deal with the others in the jade!

Without hesitation, Huangfu Lin made his move. This time, his target was not Qin Xiao, but the entrance behind him.

As long as you touch that ice flower—

The lightning struck with a deafening roar, cutting off his movements.

Dark lightning flickered around him like a ghost, and thunder roared terrifyingly, as if it would strike him at any moment. Not only that, the strange knife was brandished again. Huangfu Lin had no choice but to create distance and retreat to a nearby tree.

Qin Xiao slowly raised his sword, the tip pointing at him, his gaze cold and lifeless, like an unfathomable pool.

Huangfu Lin looked at him and suddenly laughed: "You are no match for me."

"At least not now that you're injured."

Qin Xiao still did not reply.

Huangfu Lin sighed, slowly raised his hand, and a long halberd appeared in his hand.

The halberd was a deep, cold, and eerie blue. The tip was a bright blue, hardened by ice, and the blade, as thin as silk, gleamed with a cold light that seemed to cut through the air. The horizontal branches on either side were crescent-shaped, their curved surfaces reflecting not the surrounding scenery, but flowing clouds and surging waves. At the junction of the branches, a blue crystal the size of a pigeon's egg was embedded, gazing ahead like the eyes of a whale.

The halberd shaft, over ten feet long, was made of a material that resembled neither jade nor iron, and its touch sent a chill down to the bone. The shaft itself was a slightly darker sea blue than the halberd's tip, and upon closer inspection, one could see dark, inky patterns slowly moving within the shaft, like a giant whale gracefully turning over.

The handle is wrapped in deep-sea sharkskin, with blue light seeping into the texture, echoing the whale pattern on the shaft. Even before getting close, one can feel the immense pressure from the deep sea—the domineering power of a whale overturning the ocean and waves crashing against the sky, all condensed in this halberd.

"This halberd is a Qi blade made from the hardest bone of a 100,000-year-old deep-sea demon whale. It is the perfect weapon for me." Huangfu Lin flipped the halberd, and the sharp blade cut through the sky, faintly emitting a long and ancient whale roar.

"You can't handle it." Huangfu Lin looked at him. "Why bother?"

"Why bother? Isn't it better to stay with me and wait for the outcome?" Qin Xiao finally spoke, asking in return.

Huangfu Lin smiled but did not reply.

Qin Xiao estimated the length of his weapon, recalled his earlier words, pondered for a moment, and then put away the longsword, replacing it with a long spear.

The spear was entirely dark purple, with black lightning patterns swirling around it. As Qin Xiao released his attributes, lightning flashed at the tip, and lightning encircled the spear shaft, creating an astonishing aura. If the spectators hadn't witnessed him being seriously injured not long ago, they wouldn't have believed that such an aura could be unleashed by someone so badly wounded.

Qin Xiao suddenly frowned, a metallic taste rising in his throat, which he forced down.

He didn't speak, but slowly and firmly aimed the tip of his gun at Huangfu Lin.

"Why was it changed?" Huangfu Lin was very curious about this.

Qin Xiao did not answer.

Huangfu Lin chuckled, his eyelids drooping slightly: "Alright, then—"

The halberd cleaved through the sky, accompanied by the roar of a whale. Huangfu Lin brandished his halberd and thrust it towards Qin Xiao.

Qin Xiao intended to use the tip of his spear to pry it open, but unexpectedly, the spear tip cracked the moment it touched the halberd blade, shattering along with the attached lightning!

The spear snapped in two instantly, while the halberd continued to thrust towards him as if unimpeded, its speed and force as fierce as a meteorite, unstoppable.

Qin Xiao's pupils widened slightly in surprise. He narrowly escaped death, but a few strands of hair on his forehead were cut off, and his cheeks were scratched by the wind. It was a very dangerous situation.

Black lightning roared in, and Qin Xiao dodged several times to escape Huangfu Lin's attack range.

Huangfu Lin's eyes gleamed, and he turned to thrust his halberd horizontally. Blades of energy surged in all directions like crashing waves. Qin Xiao retreated again and again. Huangfu Lin glanced at him, then suddenly rushed to the edge of the domain, his sharp blade about to touch the cluster of ice flowers—

With a thunderous roar, Qin Xiao flashed in front of Huangfu Lin, a golden spear reappearing in his hand, and thrust it towards Huangfu Lin's face!

Huangfu Lin dodged slightly, then swung his halberd, easily severing the weapon once again.

Sensing the lightning surrounding him, Huangfu Lin took two steps back, turned the halberd handle, and tilted his head to look at Qin Xiao.

Qin Xiao landed in front of the entrance, glanced at the spear that had been broken in two, and clicked his tongue inwardly.

Even this can't stop it...

Qin Xiao didn't know whether to feel fortunate or worried.

The two spears, one from Qin Xiuyun and the other from Nangong Huaxue, were both made of quite excellent materials.

Take, for example, the spear that Qin Xiuyun gave him. It was not only forged from rare and precious iron, but the black lightning surrounding the spear was also forged by quenching and fusing the thunder from the heavens. Yet, it was so vulnerable in front of the halberd.

If that knife were used...

Qin Xiao was unsure whether he should use it. Although the knife had been with him for many years and he should have a clear understanding of its strength, he was still afraid...

In case, if—

If that knife also breaks...

Qin Xiao's eyes darkened, and he pursed his lips.

He absolutely did not want to see that scene.

Huangfu Lin didn't give him much time to catch his breath. He took a half step back, then swung his halberd and thrust it fiercely at Qin Xiao!

The tip of the halberd flashed with a cold light, like a whale's tail crashing against the waves, unstoppable!

Qin Xiao's brows suddenly furrowed, his eyes turning as black as ink, which were scattered by the gale stirred up by the halberd, fading inch by inch into a terrifying light gray.

He slowly raised his hand, and a bolt of lightning as thick as a bowl tore through the gray sky. In an instant, several silver snake-like bolts of lightning intertwined in front of Huangfu Lin, the light so bright it was blinding, and a deafening roar echoed through the heavens and earth.

However, the next second, Huangfu Lin appeared in front of Qin Xiao like a ghost, the tip of his spear flashing cold light.

A cold glint flashed across Huangfu Lin's lips. His halberd was unstoppable, lightning erupting from its tip and transforming into a shower of sparks. He moved with ghostly speed, closing in on Qin Xiao, his spear aimed straight for his throat—

At the critical moment, a jet-black ball of lightning silently materialized in front of Qin Xiao. The lightning spun like a living thing, carrying a terrifying pressure that could crush one's heart and lungs.

Huangfu Lin's pupils contracted sharply. The destructive aura emanating from the lightning sphere made him instinctively want to withdraw his gun, but it was too late. The moment the tip of his gun lightly touched the black sphere, time seemed to freeze.

"boom--!"

Several bolts of dark lightning pierced through his body like chains in an instant, and violent currents surged wildly, tearing and tensing every inch of his muscles, making him as stiff as a stone.

The electric current, like scalding steel needles, instantly pierced through his limbs and bones. His body tensed up like a bow, his muscles convulsed violently, his teeth clenched so tightly they rattled, and he couldn't even move his fingertips.

Immediately afterwards, the black sphere suddenly exploded, and the blinding lightning, like the sun falling, domineeringly and tyrannically devoured all vision in the world, leaving only a scorching white.

The deafening thunder roared like a tsunami, and Huangfu Lin felt as if he had been thrown into a raging sea of ​​lightning, with nowhere to escape.

The intense beam of light blinded Huangfu Lin for several seconds. Qin Xiao did not miss the opportunity. He first dodged the halberd, and then kicked Huangfu Lin in the chest.

Huangfu Lin noticed something, but he was stiff from being hit and had no power to fight back. He was kicked hard to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.

Qin Xiao looked in Huangfu Lin's direction and slowly exhaled.

That weapon was indeed dangerous.

Qin Xiao's eyes were light gray as he thought.

If you get hit, the damage to your body might not just be a simple hole.

It has to be said that, so far in the competition, Huangfu Lin has indeed put the most pressure on him, and not just because he is injured.

"I told you, you can't get in."

Qin Xiao looked at Huangfu Lin and said coldly.

Huangfu Lin's hair was slightly frizzy, and there were several charred marks on his face and neck. His mouth twitched, he spat out blood, wiped his mouth, and even managed a smile.

"Is that so?" Huangfu Lin raised his eyes, a strange excitement flashing in them.

Qin Xiao frowned slightly, thinking to himself that this was troublesome.

Huangfu Lin's state clearly showed that his fighting spirit had been ignited.

Huangfu Lin's eyes, as black as ink, were now flickering. A chilling smile appeared on his lips as he gripped his halberd tightly and took a step forward, ready to strike again.

Qin Xiao did not dodge, but instead took a step forward. Lightning flashed, showing no sign of backing down.

The two figures clashed like lightning, exchanging dozens of blows in the blink of an eye. Qin Xiao's movements were swift and unpredictable, always narrowly avoiding fatal attacks, and he dealt with Huangfu Lin's punches and kicks with ease.

However, after a few moves, Qin Xiao's eyes narrowed – the power from the opponent's punches was getting stronger with each strike!

Qin Xiao keenly sensed the sudden surge of pressure in his opponent's punch; the force was far greater than before, causing his heart to tighten and instantly abandoning the idea of ​​taking the blow head-on. He moved several meters to the side like a ghost, barely dodging the punch.

A deafening roar followed!

Before the fist even arrived, a terrifying force, capable of shattering mountains and splitting peaks, surged forth. The trees ahead crumbled as if crushed by an invisible giant millstone, splintering in large sections with a piercing cracking sound, sending debris flying and carving a deep furrow into the ground. The power of that single punch leveled everything in its path.

Qin Xiao's clothes were lifted by the lingering wind, and he frowned slightly—if he had chosen to take the hit head-on, even if he had caught it, he would have paid a considerable price.

"You are really amazing." Huangfu Lin smiled broadly, increasingly satisfied with Qin Xiao. "If you weren't an evil cultivator, I would definitely invite you to our sect."

"Let's forget about it," Qin Xiao said coldly. "I don't like your sect."

Huangfu Lin paused slightly, seemingly surprised, then chuckled: "Is it because we frequently raid evil cultivation organizations?"

"Huh?" Qin Xiao had no idea about this.

Huangfu Lin was also somewhat surprised by his reaction, then chuckled, "It's not that... never mind."

"After all, you can't please everyone," Huangfu Lin said, and attacked Qin Xiao again.

Qin Xiao realized that Huangfu Lin's attention was now entirely focused on him, and even though the entrance to the domain was only a few steps away from him, Huangfu Lin did not make any move.

Seeing that his goal had been achieved, Qin Xiao felt a little relieved and focused on his duel with him.

Unfortunately, although the previous wounds had healed, the shockwaves from Huangfu Lin's halberd passed through his body, affecting his entire body indiscriminately. They always managed to precisely glide over the newly healed wounds, and with each impact, the wounds began to crack.

Qin Xiao swallowed the metallic taste in his throat, but couldn't help coughing twice. He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, looked at Huangfu Lin who was swinging his halberd at him, and dodged to the side.

Huangfu Lin noticed his strain and a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes: "What a pity... If you can survive today, I hope we can fight again after you are fully healed."

Qin Xiao did not respond, and once again met the terrifying attack with his bare hands.

A hint of regret flashed in Huangfu Lin's eyes. In his eyes, Qin Xiao could no longer withstand his attacks, so he sighed and activated his attribute.

Qin Xiao was startled, his pupils shrinking as he witnessed Huangfu Lin's aura erupting once more.

Huangfu Lin's attributes did not manifest in physical form, but Qin Xiao was certain that he had already activated them, because the air waves unleashed by that invincible halberd had increased a hundredfold, sweeping across the area like a tsunami.

It is certain that if he continues to recklessly charge forward, his body will be crushed into blood and gore.

Huangfu Lin strikes again with his halberd—

With a deafening roar, Qin Xiao's mask shattered, revealing a shocking crack running through it.

Huangfu Lin's attack at this moment was clearly above the Profound Realm, and the halberd wind had already stepped into the Earth Realm. With the second strike, it tore through the air. The mask was completely crushed into powder in the surging waves of air, and it scattered everywhere.

Qin Xiao closed his eyes, then opened them again, his knuckles turning white from being clenched into fists, a bitter taste rising in his throat.

……never mind.

Can we withstand it? Can we keep it?

Then leave it to fate.

A jet-black longsword suddenly appeared in his hand. He flipped his wrist and raised the sword. A cold light flashed like lightning, illuminating his resolute brows and eyes. The blade gleamed with a cold light, revealing its sharpness.

Even if you can't withstand it, you can perish with it.

Qin Xiao's gray eyes grew even lighter as he watched the surging waves of air and the long halberd, his heart surprisingly calm.

He slowly clenched his fist, and his aura suddenly changed.

Cold, sharp…like a night owl lurking in the forest, its form almost blends into its surroundings, its presence completely concealed beneath its wings. Waiting for the moment its prey relaxes its guard, a cold glint flashes in its eyes, and its claws slash through the air—

There wasn't a single superfluous movement; only a chilling killing intent permeated the entire scene.

In a corner unnoticed by anyone, the animal pattern faintly revealed a dazzling golden gleam.

Huangfu Lin met those cold, sharp eyes, and a thought that shocked even himself suddenly surfaced in his mind at an inopportune moment:

—Those eyes are so beautiful.

Pitch black as night, clear as snow, sharp as an axe.

Pity.

Huangfu Lin thought to himself, then swung his halberd down.

As expected, the longsword slashed through the air, easily tearing apart the surging, violent air currents; at the same time, the halberd also easily cut through the slashes attached to the blade.

Under each other's gaze, the two touched—

Although it is called a longsword, it is still too short and dangerous compared to a spear or halberd. The tip of the blade not only cannot reach the slenderest part of the handle, but also faces the rough and cold blade of the halberd head-on.

The instant the blades touched, Qin Xiao's mind flashed back to the scene of the two spears being easily cut in half, and his thoughts instantly drifted to the long sword that had been with him for almost a lifetime.

Just imagining the scene of the long sword breaking made Qin Xiao's heart clench, and he felt so heartbroken that he could hardly breathe.

Compared to Qin Xiao's tension, Huangfu Lin appeared much more composed—even if the knife hadn't been broken, it would have been extremely difficult to withstand his devastating blow.

However, the imagined scene did not come to pass, neither for Qin Xiao nor for Huangfu Lin.

With a sharp sound like tearing ice and silk, the long sword sliced ​​through the halberd blade as easily as cutting through soft fat, effortlessly slicing away the halberd blade and spearhead together!

A flash of cold light, the blade grazed Huangfu Lin's cheek, blood splattering and reflecting directly into his suddenly contracting pupils.