Two domains violently collided and eroded within the confined space, emitting an ear-grating sizzling sound. The pale golden Autumn Maple Domain and the profound Evil God Domain tangled in mutual annihilation, like the ultimate confrontation between light and darkness. The Autumn Maple Domain's aura of solemn slaughter continuously wore away at the sinister energy, while the Evil God Domain's deathly stillness and devouring power frantically corroded the phantom maple leaves. At the boundary between the domains, energy fluctuated intensely, light distorted, as if space itself were trembling.
Li Zhaoyan wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, forcibly dispersing the black energy on the Hundred Wood Divine Spear with his pure Soul Power. He took a deep breath, suppressing the churning blood and energy within his body, his eyes sharp as an eagle's. The Dark Demonic Evil God Tiger's strength far exceeded his expectations, especially this Evil God Domain, which greatly enhanced its power and weakened his own domain advantage. Yet the flames of battle intent and hatred in his eyes burned even more fiercely!
The Dark Demonic Evil God Tiger wasn't faring well either. Having withstood Li Zhaoyan's multiple fierce assaults, especially the deep wounds on its waist and left forelimb that reached the bone, black blood continuously seeped out. Although the Evil God Domain's enhancement barely suppressed the worsening of its injuries, the intense pain and Soul Power consumption had left it considerably weakened. Its crimson eyes fixed intently on Li Zhaoyan, filled with brutality and cunning. It crouched low, a threatening low growl rumbling in its throat, its scorpion tail slowly rising behind it, the tip flickering with an eerie blue poisonous glow, clearly preparing for its next lethal attack.
"I can't let this stalemate continue!" Li Zhaoyan's thoughts raced. Under the suppression of the Evil God Domain, his Soul Power consumption was far greater than his opponent's; a prolonged battle would surely lead to defeat! He had to break the deadlock!
Gritting his teeth, he made an extremely risky decision! Gripping the Hundred Wood Divine Spear with both hands, he madly channeled all his Soul Power into it while simultaneously pushing the Autumn Maple Domain to its limit!
"Contract!"
He silently commanded, and the pale golden Autumn Maple Domain, which had originally spread across a hundred zhang, rapidly contracted inward like a whale sucking in water! Countless swirling phantom maple leaves seemed summoned by an invisible force, frantically converging toward the Hundred Wood Divine Spear in his hands! The power of the domain was intensely compressed, condensed to a single point at the spear's tip!
This process was extremely difficult and dangerous! Domain expansion was the norm; forcibly compressing it required incredibly precise control and powerful Mental Power support. The slightest misstep could lead to Soul Power backlash! Veins bulged on Li Zhaoyan's forehead, sweat instantly soaking his temples, his body trembling slightly under the immense strain. Yet his eyes remained resolute, unwavering!
At the tip of the Hundred Wood Divine Spear, an extreme point of golden light ignited! Though small, this golden light seemed to contain the entire Autumn Maple Domain's power of solemn slaughter, withering, and penetration! The light pulsed irregularly, slightly distorting the surrounding space, emitting a terrifying fluctuation that made souls tremble!
The Dark Demonic Evil God Tiger's crimson pupils abruptly contracted! From that intensely compressed golden light, it sensed a lethal threat! Without hesitation, it roared and launched its attack first! Its massive body transformed into a black streak, not charging directly—
Instead of pouncing on Li Zhaoyan, it moved sideways with an eerie motion, its bloodthirsty maw opening once more. A stream of Evil Breath, more condensed and ink-black than before, shot out like a high-pressure water jet, aimed directly at Li Zhaoyan! Simultaneously, the scorpion tail on its back struck like lightning, its venomous tip targeting Li Zhaoyan's throat—a ruthless two-pronged assault!
Li Zhaoyan was currently channeling his compressed domain power to its limits, restricting his mobility. Yet, he remained calm in the face of danger.
"Fifth Soul Skill, Maple Leaf Protection!"
Layers of crimson maple leaves instantly materialized before him, attempting to block the Evil Breath. At the same time, his wrist flicked, and the Hundred Wood Divine Spear, carrying a deadly golden glint, struck with pinpoint accuracy at the swiftly approaching scorpion tail!
Sizzle!
The condensed Evil Breath crashed against the maple leaf shield, emitting a violent corrosive sound. The shield fluctuated intensely, its glow rapidly dimming, but it ultimately withstood the impact. Meanwhile, the spear tip and scorpion tail collided once more!
Clang! A crisp sound rang out, but this time, the outcome was entirely different!
The golden glint at the spear tip, infused with the full power of the Autumn Maple Domain, possessed unparalleled penetrating force! The resilient bone armor on the scorpion tail was pierced through as if it were paper! The golden glint surged forward unhindered, directly piercing through the midsection of the scorpion tail!
"Roar—!!!"
The Dark Demonic Evil God Tiger let out an agonized, heart-wrenching howl! Its deadly scorpion tail had been brutally severed by this single strike! Black smoke billowed from the broken end, and the eerie blue venomous glow instantly dimmed. Its massive body convulsed wildly from the excruciating pain, and its offensive momentum collapsed instantly!
This was the chance!
Suppressing the dizziness from the dual exhaustion of his Soul Power and Mental Power, Li Zhaoyan's eyes blazed with cold light! Seizing the opportunity, he charged forward, raising the Hundred Wood Divine Spear once more. Though the golden glint at the spear tip had dimmed considerably from the previous strike, it still radiated a terrifying, murderous aura as he aimed it straight at the Dark Demonic Evil God Tiger's exposed throat—a vital point revealed by its intense pain!
However, at this critical moment, another unexpected turn of events occurred!
The cunning Dark Demonic Evil God Tiger, despite its agony, cast a sidelong glance with its crimson eyes toward Marco and the others observing from a distance! Realizing it might not escape unscathed from Li Zhaoyan's desperate strike, it conceived a vicious plan! Forcing its massive body to twist despite the pain of its severed tail, it abruptly changed direction. The remaining dark energy frantically gathered in its left forepaw as it prepared to pounce—its target unmistakably the three children, dozens of yards away, who were being protected by Yang Wudi!
It intended to force Li Zhaoyan to defend by attacking the vulnerable, buying itself a chance to recover!
"Wretched beast! How dare you!"
Li Zhaoyan's eyes nearly burst with fury! He never imagined the Dark Demonic Evil God Tiger could be so savage, attempting to harm the innocent even while severely wounded! The sight of Qiu Yao's pale little face especially ignited the deepest soft spot and rage within him!
The fatal strike originally aimed at the Dark Demonic Evil God Tiger's throat was abruptly halted! Without hesitation, Li Zhaoyan abandoned this perfect killing opportunity, forcibly twisting his body and pushing his speed to the limit. He moved as if teleporting, positioning himself directly in the path of the Dark Demonic Evil God Tiger's charge toward the children!
"Get back!"
Li Zhaoyan roared, sweeping the Hundred Wood Divine Spear horizontally with overwhelming force! Though the spear no longer carried the concentrated golden glint of his domain, it was still infused with his surging Soul Power and towering rage! A massive crescent-shaped spear energy howled through the air, slashing fiercely toward the beast.
Dark Demonic Evil God Tiger!
The Dark Demonic Evil God Tiger seemed to have anticipated Li Zhaoyan's defensive move. A cruel glint flashed in its crimson eyes, as if a sinister scheme had succeeded. Instead of meeting the sweeping attack head-on, it relied on its bizarre agility, abruptly rolling sideways to narrowly evade the main force of the lance. Only grazed by the edge of the shockwave, it tumbled several meters away. Though disheveled, it successfully avoided the fatal blow while simultaneously disrupting Li Zhaoyan's relentless assault.
"Cough, cough..." Li Zhaoyan forcibly halted his momentum, his chest churning with turbulent energy. He couldn't suppress a cough, and a trickle of blood once again seeped from the corner of his mouth. The earlier forced compression of his domain and the interruption of his lethal strike had placed an immense strain on him.
Seizing the opportunity, the Dark Demonic Evil God Tiger distanced itself. Crouched low, its severed tail dripped with dark blood, its body covered in wounds. Its aura had weakened significantly compared to before, yet its crimson eyes remained fixed intently on Li Zhaoyan, filled with venomous resentment and unwillingness. It knew that devouring this powerful human Soul Master today had become exceedingly difficult—it had even fallen into grave peril itself.
In the distance, Yang Wudi gripped his Soul Piercing Lance tightly. The moment the Dark Demonic Evil God Tiger lunged, he had already prepared to strike. Had Li Zhaoyan failed to intercept it in time, his lance would have pierced through the beast's skull! Now, his gaze toward the Dark Demonic Evil God Tiger was icy with killing intent.
Marco, Osler, and Qiu Yao were even more shaken with lingering fear. Yang Wudi had been ready to risk his life to block the attack earlier, and the sudden crisis had nearly made their hearts leap out of their throats.
The battlefield fell into a brief stalemate. Li Zhaoyan's Soul Power was severely depleted, and the Dark Demonic Evil God Tiger was critically wounded, yet both sides remained fixated on each other, searching for the final opportunity. The air was thick with the heavy scent of blood and an aura of solemn slaughter. This fated confrontation was nearing its end, but the final outcome still hung by a thread...
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