I transmigrated to a chaotic world and became the sole player.

The three men formed a triangular formation, subtly blocking Lu Zhao's escape route. The leader, a sinister-looking man in black robes, fixed his gaze on Lu Zhao like a hawk eyeing its prey, lingering for a moment on his tattered, blood-stained robes and slightly pale face, a cold, sinister smile curving his lips.

"You brat from the Earthly Origin Sect, you're lucky to have survived the spatial turbulence." The sinister black-robed man's voice was hoarse, like sandpaper rubbing. "Hand over what you got from inside. Considering we're both cultivators from the Central Continent, I can grant you a quick death."

Lu Zhao's heart sank slightly. These three had clearly been lying in wait, witnessing his escape from the spatial rift, and possibly even seeing him enter the rift to collect dragon blood grass. Their aura was chilling, their techniques strange, and their target clear: the loot on him. Especially the leader; although he was only at the late Foundation Establishment stage, Lu Zhao sensed he was far more dangerous than ordinary late Foundation Establishment cultivators, likely a seasoned killer skilled in stealth and ambush.

"The Netherworld Sect's actions are indeed clandestine, always taking advantage of others' misfortunes." Lu Zhao steadied himself, secretly adjusting his breathing to heal his injuries, and said coldly, "I don't know what you're talking about. This place is the Fallen Dragon Abyss, where unclaimed property is left to chance. How can you expect me to hand it over?"

"Hmph, sharp-tongued." The sinister black-robed man sneered. "You think I didn't see it? You came out of that spatial rift severely injured, then sneaked back in, emerging noticeably more relaxed. You must have gained something. If you know what's good for you, hand it over obediently, or you'll suffer the torment of having your soul extracted and refined!"

The tall cultivator behind him chuckled, "Envoy Li, why waste words with this brat? Just take him down and search his soul! Judging by his appearance, he's clearly at his last gasp!"

Another short, stout cultivator licked his lips, a greedy glint in his eyes: "Exactly! To survive a spatial rift like that, they must possess some great treasure! Maybe even a ley line dragon crystal!"

Lu Zhao's eyes narrowed. They not only saw him come out, but they also saw him enter the rift to collect dragon blood grass? Yes, although the rift was hidden, if someone had been spying nearby, the Netherworld Sect's uncanny methods would have likely detected them. Moreover, they could even immediately identify "earth vein dragon crystal," indicating they were quite familiar with the Fallen Dragon Abyss, and might even be after the earth vein dragon crystal or similar treasures.

"The Netherworld Cult is also interested in the Earth Vein Dragon Crystal?" Lu Zhao asked calmly, while simultaneously spreading his divine sense to be on alert of his surroundings. These three dared to set up an ambush here; they probably had a backup plan.

"Heh heh, what use is so much knowledge to a dying man?" The sinister black-robed man, the envoy Li, stopped wasting words, his eyes flashing with murderous intent. "Attack! Take him alive; I will personally search his soul!"

Before he finished speaking, the two cultivators behind him, one tall and one short, moved at the same time!

The tall cultivator raised his hands, and two jet-black chains, exuding a foul and sinister aura, shot out like venomous snakes, aiming straight for Lu Zhao's limbs. At the top of each chain was a hideous ghost head phantom, emitting a silent shriek that pierced straight into his soul! These chains were actually rare soul-attacking magical artifacts!

The short, stout cultivator opened his mouth and spat out three pale white skulls. The skulls swelled in the wind, growing to the size of cartwheels, with emerald green ghost fire leaping in their eyes. They lunged at Lu Zhao from three directions, emitting a foul stench, clearly carrying deadly poison.

The two worked together seamlessly, one locking onto the soul and the other launching a frontal assault, clearly aiming for a swift victory and to take down the injured Lu Zhao in one fell swoop.

Although Lu Zhao's injuries had not yet healed and his spiritual power had only recovered to a small fraction, he was experienced in combat and had even gone through life-and-death battles. How could he surrender so easily? The moment his opponent made his move, he activated the "Soaring Dragon Steps," his figure drifting backward like a ghost, narrowly avoiding the entanglement of the dark chains. At the same time, he slashed his black longsword diagonally, unleashing a hazy, annihilating sword aura!

Chi Chi Chi!

The sword energy swept past silently, colliding with the three pale white skulls. The emerald ghostly flames, upon encountering the extinguishing sword energy, were instantly extinguished, much like snow meeting boiling oil. Corrosion-like marks appeared on the skulls' surfaces, emitting a sizzling sound, their spiritual light dimming as they flew back. The short, stout cultivator groaned, clearly his magical artifact damaged, his mind affected.

"Hmm? The Sword Intent of Annihilation?" A hint of surprise flashed in the Envoy Li's eyes, which then transformed into an even stronger greed. "I didn't expect him to be a sword genius! It's a pity he'll perish here today!"

He stopped watching, and with a flicker of his body, he disappeared from the spot like a ghost. The next instant, he appeared to Lu Zhao's left, and a thin, claw-like hand with black, sharp nails silently reached for Lu Zhao's back! Before the hand even arrived, a chilling, bone-chilling claw wind that seemed capable of freezing the soul had already assaulted his body!

This claw strike was swift, ruthless, and precise, with a tricky angle and perfect timing. It was precisely at the moment when Lu Zhao's old strength had dissipated and new strength had not yet been generated, and he was being restrained by the two people of different heights!

However, as if he had eyes in the back of his head, Lu Zhao twisted his body with an extremely strange movement the instant the claw struck, like a boneless dragon, narrowly avoiding the fatal claw. At the same time, he joined his left hand like a sword, a point of gray light gathering at the fingertip, and struck at the wrist of the envoy! It was the close-combat move from the "Sword of Annihilation and Lifelessness"—the Annihilation Finger!

Envoy Li was surprised by Lu Zhao's quick reaction and unpredictable movements, and even more surprised that he dared to use his fingers against Lu Zhao's claws! In haste, he changed his claws into a palm and struck at Lu Zhao's fingertips.

puff!

With a soft click, their fingers and palms met. Envoy Li felt a strange, dark power, carrying the aura of the annihilation of all things, invade his palm's meridians. Wherever it passed, the spiritual energy showed signs of dissolving and dissipating! He was terrified and hurriedly activated his cultivation technique. A cold and evil spiritual energy surged out, barely managing to force out the dark power, but his entire arm was already numb, and his blood and qi were churning.

"What a bizarre sword intent!" Envoy Li was both shocked and furious. He retreated rapidly, his gaze towards Lu Zhao now filled with deep apprehension. This young man was clearly severely injured and his spiritual power was depleted, yet he still possessed such combat strength. Moreover, his sword intent was bizarre and domineering, capable of eroding and disintegrating the opponent's spiritual power!

Lu Zhao was also in bad shape. He was still recovering from his injuries, and forcibly activating the Annihilation Finger and taking a direct hit from the opponent's palm caused his blood and qi to churn, making his throat taste sweet and almost causing him to spit out blood again. However, his expression remained unchanged. He used the momentum to drift backward, creating distance, while his cold gaze swept over the three of them.

"The envoy of the Netherworld Sect is nothing special," Lu Zhao said calmly, while his mind raced. This envoy, Li, was quite powerful, with strange techniques, and had two subordinates assisting him. Lu Zhao was in poor condition, and a prolonged battle would be disadvantageous. Moreover, this place was not far from where the spatial rift had appeared; making too much noise could attract other dangers. He had to finish this quickly!

"Arrogant!" Envoy Li was furious and humiliated. He considered himself quite strong, yet he had been forced back by a wounded late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. He was utterly ashamed. "Form the formation and capture him!"

Upon hearing this, the two cultivators, one tall and one short, immediately retreated behind the envoy, forming a triangle and simultaneously performing hand seals. Instantly, a chilling wind howled, and ghostly wails filled the air. Dense black energy surged from the three, churning and coalescing in the air into a blurry, three-headed, six-armed ghostly phantom, radiating an aura comparable to that of a pseudo-Core Formation cultivator, firmly locking onto Lu Zhao!

"Netherworld Ghostly Array!" Envoy Li shouted, and the ghostly phantom's three heads simultaneously let out a silent roar, its six arms waving and carrying billowing black energy as it pounced towards Lu Zhao! Wherever the black energy passed, vegetation withered and rocks corroded, clearly containing potent poison and corrosive power.

This combined attack formation is clearly their trump card, far more powerful than a single attack.

Lu Zhao's pupils contracted slightly as he felt the pressure emanating from the ghostly phantom. He took a deep breath, knowing he could no longer hold back, or he would truly perish here today.

Within his body, the Annihilation Dragon Qi and the Dark Gold Dragon Emperor Qi circulated wildly at the same time. In his dantian, the dormant dragon soul phantom seemed to be stirred by the killing intent and pressure from the outside world. It raised its head slightly and let out a majestic dragon roar that only Lu Zhao could hear!

"Since you're courting death, then so be it!"

Lu Zhao let out a low shout, no longer suppressing his injuries, and poured all his remaining spiritual power into the black longsword in his hand. The longsword emitted a clear and melodious hum, and on its blade, dark aura of annihilation and pale golden imperial dragon aura intertwined and swirled, a terrifying sword intent containing both destruction and majesty soaring into the sky!

"Annihilation - Imperial Dragon Slash!"

This is a prototype of a technique he developed under the pressure of life and death, combining the "Sword of Annihilation" with his own dual dragon energy! Although it is not perfect, its power far exceeds that of a single attack of the Sword of Annihilation or dragon energy!

A sword strike was unleashed!

A sword aura interwoven with gray and gold, like lightning tearing through the sky, carrying the supreme will of destroying all laws and suppressing the imperial way, met the phantom of the three-headed, six-armed ghost that rushed towards it!

There was no earth-shattering explosion, only a dull sound, like cloth being torn apart.

Wherever the gray-gold sword energy passed, the dense, highly poisonous, and corrosive black aura dissipated and crumbled as if encountering its nemesis. The ghostly phantom let out a shrill shriek, its six arms flailing wildly in an attempt to resist, but before the gray-gold sword energy, it was as fragile as paper, easily sliced ​​through!

The sword energy, still powerful, slashed fiercely at the protective aura hastily erected by the three envoys!

puff!puff!puff!

Three figures flew backward like rag dolls, spitting out mouthfuls of blood. The two cultivators, one tall and one short, were weaker; their protective aura shattered instantly, sword energy entered their bodies, shattering their internal organs, and their divine light quickly dimmed—they died on the spot! Envoy Li, with his profound cultivation and protective treasures, barely managed to block most of the sword energy, but his defenses were also breached, leaving a deep, bone-revealing wound on his chest. His chilling spiritual energy was corroded by the Annihilation Dragon Qi, and the Imperial Dragon Qi further shattered his blood and qi, damaging his meridians and instantly leaving him severely injured!

"You...you..." Envoy Li collapsed to the ground, his face filled with horror and disbelief, staring intently at Lu Zhao as if he had seen a ghost. He couldn't comprehend how a severely injured late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator could unleash such a terrifying sword strike. The gray-gold interwoven sword energy, the profound meaning it contained, made his very soul tremble!

Lu Zhao was also in bad shape. Forcibly activating the incomplete "Annihilation - Imperial Dragon Slash" had almost drained his already meager spiritual power, worsening his injuries. His chest felt tight, and his vision was blurring; he was only holding on by sheer willpower. Leaning on his sword, he mustered a last bit of spiritual power and slowly walked towards the critically wounded and dying Envoy Li.

"Speak, why did your Netherworld Sect ambush us here? Is it related to that Blood Bone Demon? Or is it for the Earth Vein Dragon Crystal?" Lu Zhao's voice was icy, carrying an undeniable killing intent.

A venomous glint of resentment and fear flashed in the envoy's eyes. Knowing he had no chance of survival today, he instead grinned maliciously: "Heh heh... Earth Vein Dragon Crystal? That was just a side job... We are here on orders to meet... cough cough... to meet Lord Blood Bone! Lord Blood Bone's divine skill is nearing completion, and he will soon return... You... you ruined the Lord's plan, you stole the Lord's opportunity... Lord Blood Bone will not let you go... and my Netherworld Sect... will definitely... extract your soul and refine your spirit... Ah!"

Before he could finish speaking, Lu Zhao had already pierced his heart with a sword. The sword's energy surged, extinguishing all life force. Lu Zhao showed no mercy to the Netherworld Cult, especially those who might know the whereabouts of the Blood Bone Demon.

Drawing his longsword, Lu Zhao quickly searched the three men, finding several storage bags and the array flags for setting up the "Netherworld Ghost Array." Without time to examine them closely, he put them, along with the three corpses, into an empty storage bag, intending to dispose of them without leaving a trace.

Having done all this, Lu Zhao could no longer hold on. He staggered a few steps, leaned against a rock, gasping for breath, a trickle of blood spilling from the corner of his mouth. He had just forced himself to unleash his ultimate move and gone through a fierce battle; his injuries were now beyond control.

"We must leave this place immediately. The commotion just now was quite loud, and it's possible that other people or demonic beasts have been attracted here. The Blood Bone Demon really did collude with the Netherworld Sect, and it seems to be recovering quickly, perhaps even 'perfecting his divine skill'? We can't stay here any longer!" Lu Zhao felt a sense of urgency. He forced himself to stay put, took out a healing pill, and was about to leave.

Suddenly, a strange fluctuation emanated from the storage bag in his arms that contained the "Hidden Flower Stone"! At the same time, a clearer, richer, and refreshing fragrance faintly wafted out.

"Hmm?" Lu Zhao's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly took out the stone.

Inside the stone, at the top of the Soul-Stabilizing Flower, the pale golden bud that was originally about to bloom was now trembling slightly, its surface becoming increasingly shiny, and its cool fragrance becoming more and more intense.

"This...it's about to bloom?" Lu Zhao was both surprised and delighted. The Soul-Stabilizing Flower is extremely special; its medicinal power slowly dissipates after being picked, but its effects are strongest the moment it blooms! If it can be sealed immediately using a special method, its effects of nourishing the soul and stabilizing the mind will be at their best!

Without hesitation, he immediately sat down cross-legged, ignoring his injuries. He formed hand seals and, following the secret method recorded in the Jade Wave Fairy's pill formula for sealing the soon-to-bloom spiritual medicine, he enveloped the Hidden Flower Stone with a wisp of his pure Extinction Dragon Qi (although Extinction Dragon Qi is mainly about destruction, its true meaning of "destruction and rebirth, and the return of all things to nothingness" can, to some extent, also "seal" vitality, and Lu Zhao had no other more suitable means at the moment). He carefully maintained the microenvironment inside the stone while closely monitoring the changes in the flower bud with his divine sense.

The bud trembled more and more violently, its emerald green radiance intertwining with its pale golden halo. Finally, at a certain moment, the pale golden bud slowly, layer by layer, unfolded!

In an instant, an incomparably pure, cool, and soul-cleansing fragrance filled the air! Lu Zhao only needed to smell this fragrance to feel a clarity in his mind, and even the stinging pain and fatigue in his soul lessened somewhat. The blooming flower was no bigger than a thumb, its petals a translucent pale gold, its stamens a vibrant emerald green, radiating a soft halo—exquisitely beautiful, like a celestial flower.

"Now!" A glint flashed in Lu Zhao's eyes. Following the secret technique, he quickly cast several spells. The annihilating dragon energy transformed into a gray, thin, cicada-wing-like light shield, carefully sealing the entire Soul-Stabilizing Flower along with its jade leaves and roots (attached to the stone), isolating it from both internal and external energies.

As the light shield formed, the fragrance instantly subsided. The Soul-Stabilizing Flower seemed frozen in its most beautiful moment of bloom, its radiance flowing, its vitality emanating from within.

"It's done!" Lu Zhao breathed a sigh of relief and carefully put the sealed Soul-Stabilizing Flower away again. With the flower successfully blooming and sealed, its medicinal effects would reach their peak. Whether used for alchemy or consumed directly from the petals and stamens, it would have miraculous effects on nourishing the soul and resisting inner demons. This would be a tremendous help in resolving the demonic thoughts in his sea of ​​consciousness and dealing with the inner demon tribulation during his Core Formation!

"I must leave immediately, find a completely safe place to heal, and then return to the sect!" Lu Zhao suppressed his excitement, took a pill, and forced himself to endure his injuries. He identified the direction, used the "Soaring Dragon Step," and his figure transformed into a wisp of green smoke, rushing towards the outer edge of Fallen Dragon Abyss.

About an incense stick's time after Lu Zhao left, several streaks of light landed at the location from different directions. Sensing the lingering intense battle fluctuations, the sword intent of annihilation, dragon energy, and the faint aura of the Netherworld Sect's techniques, as well as the almost imperceptible fragrance of the Soul-Stabilizing Flower, the newcomers all looked on with surprise and suspicion. They exchanged wary glances, then dispersed to search the vicinity. After finding nothing, they left dejectedly.

Hundreds of miles away, in a deeper, more sinister crevice filled with demonic energy, a gaunt figure submerged in a pool of blood suddenly opened his crimson eyes. Dark golden demonic energy writhed like living things around the edges of the horrific wound on his chest, suggesting his injuries had healed considerably, but his aura remained chaotic and violent.

"Li San... is he dead?" The gaunt figure was none other than the Blood Bone Demon. He stretched out his withered fingers, made a calculation, and a flash of resentment and a hint of surprise appeared in his scarlet eyes. "It's that little beast's aura... and the scent of the Soul-Stabilizing Flower... He's actually not dead, and he even obtained the Soul-Stabilizing Flower?"

"Very well...you little beast, I'll take your life and the Soul-Stabilizing Flower! Once I've fully fused with this demonic dragon's blood and recovered my cultivation...I'll definitely refine you, along with those juniors from the Xuan Tian Sword Sect, into blood puppets to vent my hatred!"

A deep, hoarse voice, filled with endless resentment, echoed deep within the cracks in the earth, gradually being swallowed up by the surging pool of blood.