Within Ling Shu Valley, platinum-white flames were like death's invitation, silently and efficiently harvesting lives. Tang Xiaoqi's figure transformed into a blurred streak of light. Every flash was accompanied by the complete annihilation of a Shadow Snake Pavilion infiltrator or sect traitor. His sword was no longer merely physical killing. The strange power fused from Purification Origin, Protective Sword Will, and Red Flame Origin had a near-law-level restraint on demonic cultivators. Demonic essence barriers were like paper, sinister spells collapsed on contact. Often before the sword edge even arrived, the platinum-white flames had already cleansed the opponent from inside out.
The remaining enemies within the valley, faced with this sudden, incomprehensible terrifying power, were quickly cleared. The last traitor, in despair, self-destructed trying to take down a few backups, but was easily blocked and purified by the flame barrier Xiao Qi conjured with a wave of his sword, not even a ripple raised.
Having cleansed the internal threat of Ling Shu Valley, Xiao Qi did not pause for even a moment. He did not even glance at the altar reborn from Master's sacrifice. That would only make his grief and fury burn more intensely. He turned sharply, gaze piercing through the valley entrance, casting it toward the main battlefield at the mountain gate plaza like a flesh-grinding mill.
There, the power of righteous fury was fermenting, but the demonic tide still surged, the defense line still hung by a thread.
He needed to return there! He needed to pass this power born from Master's sacrifice to every fellow disciple still fighting!
Swoosh---!
The platinum-white light lit up again. Xiao Qi's figure, like a reverse-shooting meteor, burst out of Ling Shu Valley, following the path he came, charging back to the mountain gate plaza at several times his previous speed!
His return immediately drew the attention of both sides on the battlefield!
It's Brother Tang! Brother Tang returned!
That light... what terrifying aura!
Deacon Xuan Lin's sacrifice was not in vain! Brother Tang has become stronger!
When Qingxu Temple disciples saw that figure wrapped in platinum-white flames and felt that aura, unstable yet terrifyingly powerful, the morale fueled by grief and fury surged again! Something called hope rekindled like a faint spark in the ashes of despair!
Shadow Snake Pavilion, however, felt entirely different pressure. The pure yet destructive aura of the platinum-white flames made many low-level demonic creatures instinctively fearful, their assault slowing. Some higher-level demonic cultivators also cast wary gazes at this suddenly appearing variable.
Xiao Qi's gaze instantly locked onto the most intense area of the battlefield--where Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng and Third Senior Sister Liu Yun were. These two were leading the most elite group of disciples, resisting the most ferocious impact of the demonic tide, bearing the greatest pressure on the defense line.
At this moment, Senior Brother wielded a thick broadsword, earth-yellow spiritual light flashing violently on its blade. Each swing was powerful and heavy, sending attacking demonic creatures and cultivators flying and crushed together. But he had clearly reached his limit--veins bulging on his forehead, blood constantly spilling from his mouth, protective spiritual light flickering.
Third Senior Sister Liu Yun was like a butterfly through flowers, yet also a cold-blooded reaper. Her sword was fast, precise, and ruthless, specifically targeting demonic cultivator leaders and those skilled in sinister spells. Every flash of sword light brought death. But her cold face was full of exhaustion, breathing rapid, the arm holding her sword trembling slightly.
Around them, fallen fellow disciples were piled layer upon layer.
Xiao Qi did not hesitate at all. The platinum-white light crashed directly into that most intense battle group!
He did not choose to skirmish, but like a brute war chariot, charged straight into the densest part of the demonic tide!
Red Flame-World Purification!
He growled, the Red Flame Sword with fused flames sweeping horizontally!
Boom---!
A crescent-shaped, several zhang wide platinum-white flame sword energy, like a roaring flame tide, surged forward!
Where the sword energy passed, the air was scorched and warped by heat! The dozens of low-level demonic creatures at the front, could not even scream before turning to ash in the flames! The demonic cultivators behind them, whose demonic essence barriers were like bubbles in sunlight, shattered instantly. The entire person was caught in the flames. Regardless of cultivation level, all were annihilated by the extreme purification and destructive force!
One sword strike cleared a shocking fan-shaped void in the surging demonic tide!
This earth-shattering strike not only instantly relieved the enormous pressure Senior Brother and Third Senior Sister were bearing, but also sounded like a bugle call, beginning Qingxu Temple's counterattack!
Kill---!!!
Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng grabbed this precious breathing opportunity, taking a sharp breath, forcibly swallowing the blood rushing to his throat. His broadsword pointed toward the area cleared by Xiao Qi, letting out an earth-shaking roar!
Follow Brother Tang! Push back! Third Senior Sister Liu Yun's eyes lit up, her sword pointing, cold and resolute!
Kill! Avenge Deacon Xuan Lin!
Avenge our fallen fellow disciples!
Qingxu Temple--Victory!
Long-pent grief and power finally found an outlet! All remaining Qingxu Temple disciples, whether body cultivators, sword cultivators, or spell cultivators, let out beast-like roars. Following the three blade-sharp figures at the front--platinum-white flaming Xiao Qi, steadfast as a mountain Senior Brother, and coldly fierce Third Senior Sister--they charged toward the numerically superior demonic tide with desperate, tragic counterattack!
At this moment, there was no retreat, no tactics. Only the most primitive, most bloody assault!
Sword light unprecedentedly bright! Spells unprecedentedly violent! Body cultivators roared, slamming their bodies into demonic formations! Talisman cultivators threw out their last bottom-drawer attack talismans like they were worthless!
Xiao Qi charged at the very front. The platinum-white flames were like divine punishment armor. Every swing of the Red Flame Sword brought wailing and annihilation of demonic creatures. He became the arrowhead of this counterattack force, unstoppable!
Senior Brother and Third Senior Sister protected his flanks--one steady in defense, repelling attacks from the side; one fierce in targeted kills, eliminating potential threats. The three coordinated seamlessly. Though all were covered in wounds, they erupted with astonishing combat power, tearing an advancing gap in the black demonic tide!
Inspired by their desperate aura, the entire Qingxu Temple defense line mobilized! Disciples in other areas also gathered their last courage, launching counterattacks against their opponents!
For a moment, the Qingxu Temple defense line that had been steadily retreating actually stabilized and began advancing! The surging demonic tide, under this sudden, like-a-dying-flare mad counterattack, actually retreated some distance!
The bugle call of counterattack was sounded by Deacon Xuan Lin True Person's sacrifice, ignited by Tang Xiaoqi's return, and played by all Qingxu Temple disciples with their lives and blood! This tragic counterattack, like the final intense light bursting from darkness and despair, though unknown how long it could last, at this moment illuminated the bloodlust and defiance in the hearts of all survivors!