Chapter 323: Hundred Beasts Body
The inexplicable disappearance of the Node Bead immediately made the three from Langya Domain feel that the current great battle had a turning point.
The Qi Baishou they spoke of was precisely the leader of Hundred Beasts Spirit Domain.
His cultivation was nearly at Dao Integration Realm, and merely sitting in the rear brought immense pressure to the Langya Domain Army.
Zhu Yanchuan, Ma Shuangjue, and Qiu Dingbang continued to pay attention to that Qi Baishou while fighting.
They saw that Qi Baishou’s unchanging cold expression since his appearance quietly cracked at this moment, with a hint of panic faintly appearing on his face.
However, knowing he was the commander of the army, he quickly suppressed the panic, merely sending out his spiritual sense to scan everywhere, yet he still could not locate the Node Bead.
The more he could not find it, the panic he had suppressed immediately crawled back into his heart.
Qi Baishou’s forehead beaded with slight sweat.
The one who could silently appear here, bypass the two armies, silently sever his connection with the Node Bead, and steal the Node Bead—Qi Baishou could hardly imagine what kind of existence that was.
However, the opponent had not attacked him or the Hundred Beasts Spirit Domain Army, which left Qi Baishou quite puzzled.
Could it be that the opponent was simply very strong in stealth and theft abilities?
For a moment, Qi Baishou’s mind was in utter chaos.
His gaze swept toward the Langya Domain Army, seeing their army struggling bitterly under the attacks of the Hundred Beasts Spirit Domain Army, with no possibility of reversal.
Qi Baishou immediately shouted: “Attack with full force, resolve them quickly!”
The army under his command had been battling the opposing army and had their backs to him, so they were unaware of what had happened.
Hearing Qi Baishou’s order, they only felt that the commander was probably impatient, and immediately responded in unison: “Yes!”
With that, all cultivators of Hundred Beasts Spirit Domain erupted with physical power and strength, and the attacks in their hands immediately increased by more than ten percent.
Fierce beast shadows emerged from each of them, and the beast shadows flew out together, appearing above their heads, roaring toward the sky.
Countless beast shadows roared, and merely the sound waves transmitted were like an invisible giant wave crashing toward the Langya Domain Army.
Sound wave attacks had always been countered only by sound wave attacks.
The congregation of the Langya Domain Army immediately shouted in unison: “Kill!”
The killing sound spread forward, clashing with the beast roars, and in an instant, that void became distorted.
However, they were originally weaker than the Hundred Beasts Spirit Domain cultivators, so this killing sound could not catch up to the vast beast roars and was instantly scattered.
Then, endless beast roars assaulted the congregation, who only felt their ears ringing, one of their senses suppressed.
The beast shadows above the heads of the Hundred Beasts Domain cultivators then charged neatly through the void, like myriad beasts emerging from the forest, killing toward them.
The congregation had no choice but to raise their weapons, infuse their mana, and swing out various supernatural techniques.
With the Star Fixing Immortal Sect guiding their formation on their side, their attacks were extremely orderly, often achieving the use of one part force as one and a half parts strength.
But unfortunately, they were inferior in cultivator numbers and strength, so the supernatural techniques they had just unleashed could only destroy half of the Hundred Beasts Domain Army’s beast shadows.
For the remaining half, they had to strike together once more to offset them.
If the Hundred Beasts Domain Army launched another round of beast shadow attacks, they would have to unleash four rounds of attacks!
With this weakening and that strengthening, how could the Langya Domain Army not lose?
“Not good, that Qi Baishou is impatient!” Ma Shuangjue exclaimed in shock.
Zhu Yanchuan’s sword brows were nearly twisted together as he said: “Junior Brother Qiu, your mind turns the fastest. The Node Bead in Qi Baishou’s hand is gone, and he’s impatiently ordering his subordinates to attack strongly. Quickly analyze it—what should we do?”
Qiu Dingbang carefully observed Qi Baishou’s expression and said: “Two Senior Brothers, there must be a senior expert passing through this place and taking the Node Bead!”
He paused, then continued: “In this two-army battle, our Langya Domain Army was originally at a disadvantage and would eventually lose miserably, but now a turning point has just arrived—we must seize this opportunity!”
Hearing this, the other two both looked at him.
Zhu Yanchuan asked: “What do you mean?”
Qiu Dingbang said: “I don’t know who that senior expert is, but from his actions, he must be a Mountain Sea Realm Cultivator. His ability to easily take the Node Bead from Qi Baishou shows his strength must surpass ours. As long as we can gain this senior expert’s assistance, we will surely reverse the battle! It’s just…”
Ma Shuangjue anxiously said: “Just what? Junior Brother Qiu, speak quickly!”
Qiu Dingbang wore a thoughtful expression, looking extremely troubled, and said: “It’s just that winning over this senior expert will probably not be easy; we must think of the right words.”
He looked at the two and continued: “We three represent the three great Immortal Sects and can decide matters for the entire Langya Domain Army. We must quickly discuss a bargaining chip to persuade that senior expert.”
Thus, the three quickly used telepathic communication, and in the blink of an eye, they had proposed countless plans.
When the Langya Domain Army launched their fifth joint attack, the three finally finished discussing.
Zhu Yanchuan and the other two suddenly rose into the air, quickly cupping their hands toward the four directions of the void, and said:
“Langya Domain Crimson Sword Immortal Sect Zhu Yanchuan.”
“Star Fixing Immortal Sect Qiu Dingbang.”
“Divine Brush Immortal Sect Ma Shuangjue.”
The three first announced their own names, then said in unison: “We three lead the Langya Domain Army. Now, we do not know which senior expert is passing through this place, but we are willing to offer the position of Langya Domain Army commander to request the senior expert’s support!”
The three’s sudden reaction naturally stunned the cultivators of both armies.
The Langya Domain Cultivators, hearing that a senior expert was passing through, immediately had their morale boosted.
While the Hundred Beasts Domain cultivators all showed vigilance, releasing their spiritual sense to scan the surroundings, fearing a sneak attack.
Seeing the three’s actions, Qi Baishou naturally understood that the disappearance of the Node Bead in his hand had been guessed by the three.
His expression changed several times, and he shouted loudly again: “Kill those three guys for me!”
The Hundred Beasts Domain Army immediately unleashed a round of attacks toward Zhu Yanchuan and the other two who had flown into the high sky.
The Langya Domain Army below the three immediately intercepted.
Above the void, Ning Qi hid his figure.
He was preparing to release the Node Bead, allowing the Heavenly Star here to descend and thereby boost the Langya Domain Army’s strength.
After hearing the three’s words, he was in no hurry.
“An unexpected gain?”
His gaze fell upon Zhu Yanchuan and the other two, as well as the Langya Domain Army.
Among the Langya Domain Army, there were also quite a few True Martial Realm reincarnated cultivators, numbering about one percent.
As the World Lord, since Ning Qi had encountered them, he naturally did not want them to die here.
So no matter what, Ning Qi would save the Langya Domain congregation.
But now with this unexpected gain, Ning Qi naturally had to accept it.
However, the words of Zhu Yanchuan and the other two were empty promises, and he would not believe them.
Seeing no response from the void, Zhu Yanchuan and the other two showed a hint of disappointment in their eyes.
The three exchanged glances and said: “If Senior does not believe our words, we three will swear a Great Dao Oath with the sound of the Great Dao!”
With that, the three actually raised their right arms, pointing toward the sky.
“I, Zhu Yanchuan（Qiu Dingbang, Ma Shuangjue）, swear a Great Dao Oath with our Nascent Soul Origin Power. If Senior saves us, and we do not acknowledge Senior as commander, we shall have our form and spirit extinguished, perishing in the War Domain.”
Above the three’s heads, a strand of Nascent Soul Origin Power faintly flew out, perceptible to the congregation.
And above the sky, the Myriad Daos chimed together, as if responding to their oath, devouring the three strands of Nascent Soul power.
In the blink of an eye, above the sky, three ancient “oath” characters formed, signifying that the oath had been acknowledged by the Great Dao.
This Great Dao Oath was something cultivators must abide by; if sworn and not followed, it would surely come to pass.
The reason Zhu Yanchuan and the other two swore the Great Dao Oath was that they had no other choice.
They three truly could not lead the Langya Domain Army to defeat the Hundred Beasts Domain Army, so rather than this, they might as well take a gamble—perhaps there was a slim chance of survival.
Moreover, this oath would only take effect if that senior expert truly saved them; if the opponent did not appear or could not do it, it would not count.
After the three swore the oath, there was still no response from the void.
Meanwhile, Qi Baishou of the opposing Hundred Beasts Domain relaxed.
Since Zhu Yanchuan and the other two’s actions had failed to draw that person out, it meant that person was perhaps truly only strong in stealth and theft abilities.
He immediately burst into laughter. “Stop bluffing; the opponent won’t help you!”
He then looked up to the void and said: “Friend in the void, I suggest you return the Node Bead. Taking the Node Bead alone is useless—even if you catalyze the Heavenly Star, my Hundred Beasts Domain Army can still take this node in an instant. How about this: you exchange the Node Bead, and I give you ten micro rule fragments?”
Hearing that Qi Baishou was also trying to win over the opponent, Zhu Yanchuan and the other two changed color.
Though in the struggle between two realms, cultivators of the two realms were mortal enemies, there were always gray areas.
That senior expert could temporarily accept the opponent’s conditions in this disadvantageous situation and fight a life-and-death battle with them later.
Thus, the Langya Domain congregation felt extremely uneasy, fearing Ning Qi would accept the opponent’s ten micro rule fragments.
A response finally came from the void.
Ning Qi appeared, still hovering in the high sky above Qi Baishou, and replied: “Ten micro fragments, and you want to buy the Node Bead from my hand?”
His clear voice spread throughout the area.
Seeing him appear, all cultivators immediately looked over.
He was clad in white robes purer than snow, with extraordinary demeanor, standing calmly in the void, exuding great majesty.
The True Martial Realm reincarnated cultivators’ eyes immediately filled with utmost adoration, while the others showed slight doubt.
They saw Ning Qi was extremely young; though his demeanor was indeed extraordinary, could he truly reverse the two-army battle?
Especially since Ning Qi had not appeared on the Langya Domain Army’s side but above Qi Baishou’s head—was this not too arrogant?
Zhu Yanchuan reminded: “Senior, quickly come to our Langya Domain side!”
Ning Qi shook his head slightly and said indifferently: “Remember your previous oath!”
Zhu Yanchuan and the other two, as well as the Langya Domain Army, felt their hearts shake involuntarily.
Seeing Ning Qi appear, Qi Baishou instantly surged with a hundred rule divine chains around him, charging toward Ning Qi.
Along the way, every rule divine chain on him condensed into a beast shadow— a hundred beast shadows, all different.
He alone seemed able to command the beasts of the world; the hundred beast shadows around him actually changed once more.
All beast shadows enveloped Qi Baishou, merging the hundred beasts into one shadow!
In this instant, Qi Baishou’s aura became extremely eerie, as if he possessed the power and advantages of a hundred beasts, streaking through the void and immediately smashing a fist toward Ning Qi.
That fist was both human-like and like various beast claws, like various bird claws—ever-changing, transforming into a terrifying giant shadow that suppressed toward Ning Qi.
The void shattered, shadows layered in darkness; atop the giant shadow, various furs and feathers fluttered.
The furs twisted into ropes, either binding toward Ning Qi or whipping through the air like divine whips toward Ning Qi, or feathers turning into swords, swishing toward Ning Qi.
Even Ning Qi slightly praised this supernatural power.
As the giant shadow beast claw closed in and various beast furs and feathers rolled toward him, the void where Ning Qi stood was filled with various energies—unavoidable, inescapable.
Qi Baishou shouted loudly: “Kid, if you kept hiding, I couldn’t do anything to you, but since you’ve shown yourself, you’re seeking death! I must thank Zhu Yanchuan and the other two—it was they who drew you out!”
Below, Zhu Yanchuan and the other two paled.
The two armies were still battling, and no one dared stop to watch Ning Qi specifically, but they all released their spiritual sense to see if Ning Qi had the ability to reverse the battle.
Ning Qi paid no heed to the incoming attacks.
He looked at Qi Baishou, their gazes meeting, and Qi Baishou suddenly felt a chill in his heart.
He was all too familiar with this feeling—back when he was a small cultivator roaming Hundred Beasts Spirit Domain, battling various demonic beasts, every demonic beast’s gaze filled him with immense fear.
But as Qi Baishou killed more and more demonic beasts, he had long forgotten what fear was, yet Ning Qi’s gaze inexplicably reignited Qi Baishou’s long-buried fear.
Qi Baishou’s charging figure stiffened instantly, the hundred overlapping beast shadows on him making him look utterly terrifying.
But now, he felt that the Ning Qi in his eyes was even more terrifying.
If he borrowed the hundred beasts to instill fear and a sense of being unbeatable, then Ning Qi was like another kind of life, a transcendent existence beyond all; just one glance made Qi Baishou feel as if struck by a tribulation divine thunder.
The congregation of cultivators saw Qi Baishou’s all-out attack on Ning Qi, yet Ning Qi showed no fluctuations around him—the giant claw shadow or various feather and fur whips silently annihilated.
Around where Ning Qi stood, it was as if there was an invisible grindstone, grinding all approaching attacks to extinction.
This scene made the attacks in all cultivators’ hands pause involuntarily; their attention had been on Ning Qi, but the next second, it uniformly fell on Qi Baishou.
Because Qi Baishou’s charging figure abruptly halted, his entire body directly bisected.
His upper and lower halves separated in the void, and he looked down at himself, his wild face instantly showing utmost terror.
Not only him, but all cultivators present had not seen any sign of Ning Qi attacking.
Ning Qi seemed to merely glance at Qi Baishou, and Qi Baishou was severed into two, constantly falling downward.
Even more terrifyingly, Qi Baishou seemed to have completely lost control of his body.
As a Peak Venerable, an existence infinitely close to Dao Integration Realm, such a person could respond even if left with half a head.
But now, Qi Baishou’s Primordial Spirit Power could not manipulate his two body halves at all!
“How is this possible!”
A guttural sound came from Qi Baishou’s mouth, then silence; his two body halves smashed to the ground, kicking up billowing dust.
The cultivators of both armies trembled uncontrollably, intimidated by this terrifying scene.
