Chapter 8 - Flying Sword—Taking Lives with Ease!

“This place isn’t safe anymore. I, Dog Master, have no desire to die here… I’m out!”

Seeing that the tide had turned against him, Mad Dog Taoist immediately resolved to flee. Riding his bone artefact, he shot into the sky, retreating westward at full speed.

“Stop right there!”

Fu Qu flew on her sword to intercept him, blocking his escape route.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

What followed was an intense duel high in the sky. Fu Qu and Mad Dog Taoist, both at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment, unleashed a barrage of techniques and magical artefacts, their clash fierce and exhilarating.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Master taught Junior Sister from a young age, granting her mastery over many of our sect’s powerful spells. Against a rogue cultivator like Mad Dog, who stumbled into his path halfway through life, she’s leagues ahead. Let her enjoy this fight… unless he uses his insects, I won’t intervene, thought Xiao Yu as he observed from a distance.

While watching, he popped three Qi Gathering Pills into his mouth, pushing his body’s limits to recover some of his depleted spiritual energy.

His gaze drifted to the crushed remains of Elder Wu. The once-proud cultivator, now reduced to a lifeless heap, was a stark reminder of the world’s perilous nature.

This world is rife with danger. No one can guarantee victory in every battle. Even a powerful Golden Core master can falter in the face of unexpected misfortune. I need to be more cautious moving forward… only vigilance can secure survival, he reflected.

His thoughts were interrupted as his eyes caught sight of a storage pouch dangling from Elder Wu’s waist.

“A storage pouch!”

Xiao Yu darted down, retrieving the pouch. These indispensable tools for cultivators contained self-contained spaces to store artefacts, talismans, clothes, and even manuals. Upon their owner’s death, their bonds were severed, and anyone could claim them anew by offering a drop of blood.

“With Elder Wu dead, this pouch is mine. What a haul!”

He swiftly performed the blood-binding ritual, securing the storage pouch for himself. Deciding to delay examining its contents, he turned his focus to aiding Fu Qu.

Thanks to the Qi Gathering Pills, I’ve regained enough spiritual energy. Dealing with the likes of Mad Dog Taoist will be a breeze.

High above, Fu Qu was locked in a ferocious battle. Their techniques and artefacts clashed repeatedly, their power matched, making the fight an intense stalemate. Frustrated, Mad Dog Taoist resorted to releasing his dreaded insect—the Undying Stiffworm. The grotesque creature buzzed toward Fu Qu, wings vibrating with menace.

Although its raw power was unimpressive, its unique properties made it a natural counter to her Obscuring Leaf artefact. Its garish colours and slimy form sent a shiver of revulsion down Fu Qu’s spine, forcing her to raise a spiritual barrier in haste.

Swish!

A sapphire sword beam sliced through the air, cleaving the insect in two.

“Junior Sister, I’m here,” said Xiao Yu as he flew to her side, smiling warmly. Without hesitation, he summoned his flying sword again. Transformed into a streak of radiant light, it shot toward Mad Dog Taoist.

“My precious insect!” Mad Dog cried, his face ashen with despair. He barely had time to react before Xiao Yu’s sword pierced through his defences. Despite activating his spiritual barrier and summoning a yellow shield artefact, both were effortlessly shattered. The sword continued its deadly path, plunging through his heart before returning to Xiao Yu’s hand.

As a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, Xiao Yu’s flying sword excelled in offensive power, living up to its reputation as a technique that could break through any defence. For Mad Dog, mid-stage and unprepared, there was no escape.

“Wow! Senior Brother is the best!” Fu Qu beamed with delight, her admiration evident.

Ding!

The host has slain a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. Luck plunder successful!

Ding! Mad Dog Taoist’s luck: -100.

Ding! Host’s luck: +100.

As Mad Dog’s lifeless body plummeted to the ground, Xiao Yu heard the system’s notifications confirming his victory. He extended his hand, using the sect’s Item Retrieval Technique to summon Mad Dog’s storage pouch into his grasp.

“Junior Sister, are you hurt?”

Xiao Yu’s eyes were filled with concern as he examined Fu Qu for injuries. The battle had been dangerous, and his priority was her well-being.

“With his paltry skills, there’s no way he could hurt me. Don’t forget, I’m your Junior Sister, and I’m strong too,” she replied playfully, a triumphant grin on her face.

The danger behind them, Fu Qu felt an immense sense of satisfaction. What had initially seemed like a mundane mission had turned into an exhilarating and rewarding experience.

“As long as you’re safe. Let’s find a place to recover our strength before heading back to Tianyong City.”

“Yes, Senior Brother,” Fu Qu said with a cheerful nod.

The pair flew off together, eventually finding shelter in a cave nestled in a remote mountain eighty miles away.