Everyone had not expected that this Saint Master Zhang not only possessed profound attainments in the way of the sword but also had such a formidable physical body.
The full-power stab from Sword Immortal Wuchen was something even the Martial Saint of Changbai Mountain would prepare meticulously before daring to resist head-on, yet Zhang Fan, under Sword Immortal Wuchen’s surprise attack, remained unharmed.
"The strength of this Saint Master Zhang's physique probably rivals that of a Martial Saint."
Daoist Changsheng sighed, a hint of unease stirring within him.
He cast his gaze towards Daoist Niu, only to see his expression calm and demeanor indifferent, which put his heart somewhat at ease.
The strength of this Saint Master Zhang far surpassed his estimations. Were it not for Daoist Niu’s presence, he might have turned and fled upon witnessing this scene.
Bai Tu, standing beside them, shared the same sentiment. After an exchange of glances with Daoist Changsheng, he became even more resolute: regardless of whether the Golden Core could be obtained, they must kill Saint Master Zhang today.
Otherwise, if Saint Master Zhang were to escape today, and they were without the aid of Daoist Niu and others, their future would be exceedingly difficult, and they would not dare to show their faces.
"I never imagined that on this Earth, there would be someone capable of cultivating their physical body to such a degree. I wonder what kind of body-refining technique this Saint Master Zhang practices?"
The Martial Saint of Changbai Mountain’s attention was no longer on the Golden Core. Instead, he developed a keen interest in the body-refining technique Zhang Fan practiced.
From what he understood, this Saint Master Zhang was only in his early twenties. Even if he possessed extraordinary talent in the way of body refinement, without a high-level body-refining technique to assist him, he could not have reached this stage.
The 'Zhang San Golden Body' that he practiced, though a potent body-refining technique, could at best only reach the peak of the Condensing Core realm even when cultivated to perfection.
To break through this constraint, a higher-tier body-refining technique would be necessary.
...
At this moment, the most bewildered was Sword Immortal Wuchen, who held his long sword and had thrust it towards Zhang Fan.
He had unleashed his 'Myriad Laws Unstained' sword technique, conjuring two clones. With exquisitely precise calculations, he had waited for this very strike.
In his expectation, a single thrust would pierce Zhang Fan's heart, severely wounding him.
For a Condensing Core realm expert who had cultivated a Nascent Core, the heart was not an absolute fatal weakness, but if pierced by a sword, Zhang Fan would instantly lose his combat effectiveness.
However, plans did not keep pace with changes. No matter how he tried, he could not have imagined that his full-power strike, far from piercing Zhang Fan's heart, wouldn't even break the skin.
"It seems I underestimated you. This sword technique of yours does have some merit."
Zhang Fan turned around, facing Sword Immortal Wuchen, whose face was etched with shock. He grinned sinisterly, revealing a row of neat, white teeth.
Seeing the sinister smile on Zhang Fan's refined face, Sword Immortal Wuchen felt an inexplicable chill. Just as he was about to withdraw his sword and retreat, Zhang Fan reached out and grabbed the body of his sword.
The sharp blade caused no harm to Zhang Fan. He clenched his fist and, with a straight punch, slammed it towards Sword Immortal Wuchen's chest.
Sword Immortal Wuchen's heart pounded with anxiety. He channeled the power of his Nascent Core into his arm, attempting to pull his sword free, only to discover that his strength was vastly inferior to Zhang Fan's. The sword remained unmoving.
"Let go!"
Just as Zhang Fan's punch was about to land on Sword Immortal Wuchen, a voice like a thunderclap boomed in Sword Immortal Wuchen's ears.
Daoist Niu flashed beside Sword Immortal Wuchen, his hand forming a blade and slashing diagonally outwards, colliding with Zhang Fan.
"Go!"
Daoist Niu roared, grabbing Sword Immortal Wuchen and using the momentum to retreat rapidly, withdrawing from Zhang Fan's attack range. He only stopped upon reaching the side of the Martial Saint of Changbai Mountain and the others.
Zhang Fan, seeing Daoist Niu rescue Sword Immortal Wuchen, did not pursue.
With a gentle flick of his fingers, Sword Immortal Wuchen's long sword spun in the air. Zhang Fan grasped the hilt and flicked his finger, causing the snow-white long sword to emit a clear, ringing sound.
Then, Zhang Fan turned his gaze to Sword Immortal Wuchen, his eyes sharp, yet carrying a hint of mockery. He said, "As a sword cultivator, to abandon your own sword so casually, it seems there is a reason for your sword dao being so poor."
Sword Immortal Wuchen’s face turned ashen. Zhang Fan's words had indeed struck a painful chord in his heart. His previously ethereal, immortal-like demeanor was shattered, as if he had been cast down to the mortal realm, his entire aura appearing listless.
Bai Tu and Daoist Changsheng could not help but sigh inwardly upon hearing this. This Saint Master Zhang not only possessed strength far beyond their expectations but also had a cunning mind.
Striking at the heart was far more cruel than killing. Killing meant one death, while striking at the heart could make life worse than death.
Daoist Niu patted Sword Immortal Wuchen's shoulder and turned to look at Zhang Fan, saying, "Saint Master Zhang, your words are amiss. Although I do not understand the way of the sword, this old Daoist has cultivated for over a thousand years and has considerable insight into the path of cultivation."
"The sword, for a sword cultivator, is undoubtedly important. But compared to life, the sword appears so insignificant."
"We who cultivate must live in order to continuously perfect our Dao. Only by living can we continue to pursue our Dao."
"Hahaha, to be able to say such words, it's no wonder you old geezer has cultivated for a thousand years yet cannot even condense a Golden Core."
Zhang Fan burst into laughter, his voice filled with disdain and mockery. "What is the purpose of a cultivator living?"
"For eternal life?"
"Even if you condense a Golden Core and form a Nascent Soul, you cannot resist the erosion of time. 'Dao' is the sole objective we cultivators pursue. The moment you abandon your sword, you are destined for your sword dao to end here, and never advance another step!"
Zhang Fan's eyes shot out sharp glints, staring at Sword Immortal Wuchen, and he said word by word, "Because you no longer believe in your sword dao."
Zhang Fan reversed his grip on the sword and, with a casual swing, sent the snow-white long sword flying towards Sword Immortal Wuchen.
Sword Immortal Wuchen grasped his natal divine sword in his hand, his arm trembling slightly. Zhang Fan's preceding words had destroyed the sword intent he had always taken pride in. He was now lost and completely devoid of fighting spirit.
Zhang Fan observed this scene with some surprise. He had spoken those words merely to attack the mind, never expecting Sword Immortal Wuchen to lose his fighting spirit because of it.
This was an unexpected bonus. Although Zhang Fan was confident in his ability to contend against all five Earth Immortals present and defeat them, if they were determined to flee, Zhang Fan could not guarantee he could kill them all. Furthermore, during the upcoming battle, he would need to consider the safety of his parents, disciples, and others.
Although the Blood Demonous Flood Dragon was guarding them, it had sustained considerable injuries, greatly reducing its strength. At most, it could only hold off initial Condensing Core realm experts like Bai Tu and Daoist Changsheng.
"Come, let me see what makes you a bunch of mere mortals dare to trespass upon my Lake Heart Island!"
After uttering these words, Zhang Fan, without hesitation, lightly tapped the sand with his foot and charged towards Daoist Changsheng and Bai Tu.
...