บท 17: Ten times the gravity
In the secluded valley, the clashing sounds of metal echoed endlessly as Luo Hao, Zhao Xin, and another ally surrounded Mu Yudie, fending off the relentless onslaught from the "Dark Abyss" forces.
A tall, slender man in gray, with a silver moon emblem on his shoulder, directed eight subordinates, each wielding sharp weapons, trapping Luo Hao and the others.
"Miss Mu, I advise you to come with us to meet the Abyss Lord; otherwise, we will find it difficult to explain," the gray-clad leader commanded coldly while orchestrating the attack.
Mu Yudie's delicate face was full of disdain as she firmly shook her head. "I'd rather die here than go with you!"
"If Miss Mu is so uncooperative, I have no choice but to take you by force," the leader paused briefly before sternly shouting, "Luo Hao! You should know the power of 'Dark Abyss'! Opposing us is a path to certain death!"
"Haha!" Luo Hao laughed heartily, his voice booming like thunder. "I am used to traveling alone. If 'Dark Abyss' wishes to kill me, it will come at a high cost. As the Abyss Moon Envoy, with a cultivation level of the Hundred Tribulations Second Heaven, you're more than qualified to be my companion in the afterlife!"
"You are not worthy of such an honor," the Abyss Moon Envoy shook his head, his figure flickering like a ghost.
In the next moment, he appeared three meters in front of Luo Hao, extending his left hand, his fingers hooked like iron claws, emitting a chilling green light that wrapped around Luo Hao like ribbons.
"Nether God's Green Claws!" Luo Hao's expression changed slightly as he shouted, "Zhao Xin, protect Xiao Die!"
"Boom, boom, boom!"
Luo Hao's heartbeat suddenly accelerated several times! Gravity around him surged tenfold!
All the Abyss Star Envoys of "Dark Abyss" around him, under the influence of the increased gravity, felt as though they were carrying an iron mountain on their backs, their knees buckling under the weight.
Even the Abyss Moon Envoy was momentarily affected, his body trembling before he sneered, "Luo Hao, I didn't expect your 'Gravity Martial Soul' to advance to such a level, surpassing tenfold gravity. No wonder you are so fearless."
"Haha, without some skill, how could I drag you to the grave with me?" Luo Hao laughed again, his face still wearing a nonchalant smile, but the broad sword on his shoulder burst into a brilliant blue light, and an overwhelming aura surged from him.
Luo Hao laughed heartily, brandishing his broadsword, and stood resolutely in front of Mu Yudie, blocking the Abyss Moon Envoy.
The Abyss Moon Envoy's "Nether God's Green Claws" were slightly sluggish under the influence of the tenfold gravity. He bent his fingers to counter the force, joining three Abyss Star Envoys in surrounding Luo Hao.
"Zhao Xin, take Xiao Die and go!" Luo Hao roared, his aura like a rainbow, as the blue light from his broadsword streaked across the sky like meteors, blocking the other Abyss Star Envoys.
Shi Yan, hidden behind an ancient tree fifty meters away from the "Dark Abyss" envoys, abruptly halted. From behind the tree, his face was solemn as he observed the scene ahead, his dark eyes gleaming.
Each Abyss Star Envoy of "Dark Abyss" possessed innate cultivation, while the Abyss Moon Envoy, with the silver moon emblem on his shoulder, had reached the Hundred Tribulations Second Heaven. This force was too powerful. A reckless attack would likely result in him being dealt with by "Dark Abyss" before even reaching Mu Yudie and the others.
Frowning, a series of thoughts flashed through Shi Yan's mind as he quickly sought a solution.
Five seconds later, his eyes brightened as he silently retrieved his backpack, grasping the "Bone-Eroding Powder" wrapped in soft cloth. Crouching low, he silently climbed the ancient tree.
On the tree's slender branches, Shi Yan moved slowly, inching closer to the battlefield.
"Bone-Eroding Powder" was a poison concocted by the wayward alchemist Karu. It caused muscles and bones to weaken, sapping strength, with effects lasting three hours—enough to turn the tide of a battle.
"Zhao Xin! Go!" Luo Hao roared, his broadsword emitting a dazzling blue light as he single-handedly held off nearly ten "Dark Abyss" envoys.
"Miss Mu!" Zhao Xin, filled with urgency, stomped his foot and shouted, "Go quickly!"
Mu Yudie's expression was calm, but her eyes were resolute as she said softly, "I won't leave. If you stay and fight, there's a chance we might win. But if all three of you leave, Uncle Luo will surely be trapped and unable to escape. Without Uncle Luo, we can never stand against 'Dark Abyss,' and our end will be the same."
"Fine! Then we fight to the death!" Zhao Xin was also quick-witted. Hearing her words, he made up his mind and shouted, "Diyalan! Hu Long! Let's go!"
The three positioned themselves around Mu Yudie, their weapons suddenly shooting forward, aimed at the "Dark Abyss" envoys attacking Luo Hao.
"Send four people to deal with those three juniors," the Abyss Moon Envoy frowned and coldly ordered, "Do not harm Miss Mu. The Abyss Lord has commanded that she must be brought back alive without a scratch."
"Yes!" Four Abyss Star Envoys shouted in unison, suddenly rushing toward Zhao Xin and the others.
At that moment!
A faint sound came from above, prompting the Abyss Moon Envoy to instinctively look up, exclaiming, "Not good! Dodge!"
Too late!
Gray powder descended like fine rain, enveloping the entire area. No one, not the "Dark Abyss" envoys nor Luo Hao, Zhao Xin, and the others, escaped the powder's reach.
The Abyss Moon Envoy reacted swiftly, holding his breath and retreating, but he was still covered by the gray powder. The powder, with its peculiar penetrating power, seeped into his body through his skin, causing his limbs to go numb. His heart sank as he quickly channeled his energy to resist.
The "Dark Abyss" Star Envoys were less cautious, many inhaling the "Bone-Eroding Powder," which quickly spread through their bodies. In just a few seconds, they felt their muscles weaken, their bones softening, and their strength draining away.
Luo Hao's face changed dramatically as he, too, was affected. Feeling his strength wane, he quickly circulated his energy to counteract the poison while glaring warily above.
A slender figure suddenly emerged from the tree branch above, descending beside a stunned Mu Yudie. Without hesitation, he handed her a pouch, saying calmly, "Inhale the scent from this pouch, and the poison of the 'Bone-Eroding Powder' will be neutralized."
"Why is it you?" Mu Yudie's beautiful face, like the moon, was full of astonishment. She never expected Shi Yan to be the one who fell from the sky.
Gazing at him carefully, Mu Yudie was even more surprised. In just a few days, Shi Yan had reached the innate realm. How could this be possible in such a short time?
"Miss has saved me twice—once unintentionally, once intentionally. I remember it well," Shi Yan grinned. Seeing her accept the pouch, he added, "The 'Bone-Eroding Powder' lasts for three hours. Three hours may seem long or short, but Miss should know how to arrange things." A glint of cold light flashed in his dark eyes.
"I understand." Mu Yudie nodded, inhaling deeply from the pouch before quickly handing it to Zhao Xin, "Hurry!"
The Abyss Moon Envoy, struggling against the poison, saw the situation deteriorating and coldly shouted, "Attack! Seize the pouch! If Luo Hao and the others neutralize the poison, none of you will survive!"
After his stern command, he forced his energy to resist the poison and charged at Luo Hao.
The Abyss Star Envoys, realizing the danger, disregarded the poison and continued their assault on Zhao Xin and his group, their movements sluggish but persistent.
Zhao Xin, unable to take the pouch from Mu Yudie, had to abandon the attempt and focus all his strength on fending off the relentless attacks from the Abyss Star Envoys.
Hu Long and Diyalan were in the same predicament, unable to find even a moment to breathe in the pouch's antidote amid the fierce assault.
Holding the pouch, Mu Yudie grew increasingly anxious as she couldn't find an opportunity to pass it on, her beautiful face showing signs of distress.
Out of options, Mu Yudie turned to Shi Yan, her eyes filled with a silent plea.
Though Shi Yan's cultivation was not high, in this situation, with everyone affected by the "Bone-Eroding Powder" and her own energy immobilized, his importance suddenly soared.
Under her imploring gaze, Shi Yan smiled slightly and casually asked, "I still don't know your name, Miss."
"Mu Yudie."
"A beautiful name."
Shi Yan nodded seriously, committing the name to memory before suddenly leaping into action!
With a dagger in hand, Shi Yan dove into the midst of the Abyss Star Envoys, his expression cold as he swung the blade, leaving trails of icy light.
One of the Abyss Star Envoys, most
severely affected by the "Bone-Eroding Powder," couldn't dodge in time and was struck by Shi Yan's dagger in the chest. The Envoy's face contorted in pain as he spat out blood and collapsed.
Another Abyss Star Envoy, surprised by Shi Yan's audacity, tried to counterattack but found himself too sluggish to land a hit. Shi Yan took advantage of the opening and plunged the dagger into his neck, swiftly ending his life.
With two Abyss Star Envoys down in an instant, Shi Yan's killing intent grew stronger. He moved like a shadow among the remaining Envoys, each strike precise and deadly.
Meanwhile, the Abyss Moon Envoy, realizing the growing threat, attempted to break free and target Shi Yan, but Luo Hao intercepted him, forcing him into a fierce duel.
In the chaotic battlefield, Shi Yan's presence became a turning point. The "Bone-Eroding Powder" had leveled the playing field, and his ruthless efficiency in dispatching the weakened enemies allowed Zhao Xin and the others to catch their breath.
Finally, Shi Yan made his way to Zhao Xin, tossing him the pouch while dispatching another enemy with a swift strike. "Breathe in the scent quickly. We don't have much time."
Zhao Xin, gasping for breath, quickly inhaled the antidote, feeling the strength return to his limbs. With renewed vigor, he roared and joined the fray, his sword flashing like lightning.
The tide of battle had turned. With the Abyss Star Envoys falling one by one and the Abyss Moon Envoy struggling against both Luo Hao and the weakening effects of the poison, the once dire situation began to tilt in their favor.
Mu Yudie, now less anxious, watched Shi Yan with a mix of gratitude and curiosity. His sudden appearance and decisive actions had not only saved them but also revealed a side of him she had never seen before.
As the last of the Abyss Star Envoys fell, the Abyss Moon Envoy, heavily poisoned and surrounded, realized the futility of his situation. He gritted his teeth, preparing for a final, desperate attack.
But Shi Yan, his eyes cold and calculating, was already one step ahead. With a swift, powerful strike, he plunged his dagger into the Abyss Moon Envoy's heart, ending the battle.
As the enemy collapsed, Shi Yan turned to the others, his expression calm despite the blood that stained his hands and clothes.
"It's over," he said simply, wiping the blood off his dagger and sheathing it.
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