176: crushing with ease

With that, the Half-step God Realm expert of the Immortal Race was enveloped in immortal light.

His aura surged, and golden light condensed in one hand, which he then threw towards the sky.

The golden light transformed into a giant spiritual power net in the void above his head, unfurling like a massive umbrella to intercept the falling sword rain.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

A series of metallic clangs rang out. Despite their immense power, the sword rain was still blocked by the spiritual power net.

The Immortal Race Half-step God Realm expert’s expression remained normal, but his heart was already roaring madly.

Although he had single-handedly blocked the rain-like sword attacks, it was far from easy.

His entire body’s spiritual power poured into the giant net like a flood, consuming a vast amount.

The Spirit Race Half-step God Realm expert wasn't idle either; as soon as the Immortal Race Half-step God Realm expert successfully blocked the attack, he had already urged the clear qi to pursue the Swamp Crocodile Demigod.

The latter cursed inwardly; he hadn't yet found a way to crack this peculiar clear qi.

He could only constantly move his massive body to dodge in the void, appearing somewhat disheveled.

Qing Lan's strength could be said to be the strongest among the five Half-step God Realm experts, which was why he was confident in teaming up with the Swamp Crocodile Demigod to deal with the three Half-step God Realm experts.

His eyes were as still as an ancient well, continuously digesting the insights he had gained after drinking the Enlightenment Tea Lin Yan had bestowed upon him earlier.

Wisps of Dao rhyme permeated his body, showing significant progress.

"Sword Soaring Sky!"

He tried out his newly comprehended sword move, lightly striking at the Nether Race Half-step God Realm expert who was taking the opportunity to recuperate nearby.

A long rainbow pierced the sun, tearing through the void, and arrived before the opponent with incredible speed.

"Damn it!"

The Nether Race Half-step God Realm expert cursed under his breath, but still unleashed a trump card he had been saving.

"Soul-Snatching Purgatory!"

Endless spectral light erupted from beneath his feet, and faintly, a flowing River of Forgetfulness could be seen.

Chains shot up into the sky, hundreds of them, emitting a rattling roar.

These chains eventually intertwined, forming an incredibly thick soul-snatching chain.

It pierced through the void and collided with the sword light, which resembled a long rainbow.

Clang!

A piercing sound reverberated, the surrounding space shattered, and even the experts of various races watching from afar couldn't help but protect themselves.

Crack!

The sword light dissipated, and the chain, unable to bear the strain, cracked inch by inch, turning into spectral light and vanishing.

Just as the Nether Race Half-step God Realm expert couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, his body was pierced by a cyan longsword.

He looked up in astonishment, only to see Qing Lan appear before him at some unknown point, a longsword in his hand.

"This is impossible!"

He spat out another mouthful of blood. Even with the tenacious vitality of a Half-step God Realm expert,

being severely wounded repeatedly was becoming unbearable.

But this time was different; he hadn't sensed the opponent's movement at all, as if he had appeared out of thin air.

Qing Lan's longsword subtly rotated, sword qi overflowing, completely shattering the opponent's form.

However, the Nether Race Half-step God Realm expert's divine soul did not perish; it directly detached from the scene and fled to the side of the Spirit Race Half-step God Realm expert.

The latter was greatly alarmed. What was happening? Why had the Nether Race Half-step God Realm expert instantly turned into this state?

A smile played on Qing Lan's lips as Lin Yan's words echoed in his mind.

Indeed, self-improvement in isolation would ultimately lead nowhere; only through combat could one truly sublimate.

With the help of the Enlightenment Tea, he had successfully taken a significant step forward just now.

It could be said that once this matter was settled, he could attempt to break through after consolidating his gains.

If successful, the Human Race would gain another God Realm Expert, a true peak expert in the world.

As for that sword strike just now, it was naturally a sword move he executed after comprehending a trace of God Realm power.

Sword of Nothingness!

Silent and imperceptible, it ignored space, directly thrusting the sword into the opponent's body.

The Nether Race Half-step God Realm expert now only had a divine soul remaining, having lost his threat.

From now on, the situation was clear, and the battle would soon be resolved.

The Immortal Race Half-step God Realm expert dared not be alone and stood with the Spirit Race Half-step God Realm expert, while the Nether Race Half-step God Realm expert's divine soul floated beside them.

Their expressions were solemn, their gazes fixed on Qing Lan.

The Immortal Race Half-step God Realm expert's voice trembled slightly, saying, "Qing Lan, could it be that you...?"

"Indeed, I have taken that step!"

Before he could finish speaking, Qing Lan responded first.

The field fell silent. The Immortal Race and Spirit Race Half-step God Realm experts' expressions turned grim after receiving the definitive answer.

If this were truly the case, this battle could be declared over prematurely.

Facing Qing Lan, who already had one foot in the God Realm, there was only one path: death.

Seeing this, the Swamp Crocodile Demigod also congratulated him, "Haha, congratulations, Fellow Daoist Qing Lan, I'm truly envious!"

Qing Lan shook his head slightly, "Fellow Daoist is too kind, it was just luck!"

Oh, this!

The Swamp Crocodile Demigod was stunned. No, I was just being polite, why are you getting carried away?

Then his expression turned murderous, "Perfect, then let their deaths bear witness to Fellow Daoist's advancement!"

Qing Lan nodded, slowly raising the longsword in his hand, about to strike at the opponents.

"Wait!"

At this point, even if the Immortal Race Half-step God Realm expert and the others were unwilling, they still hastily shouted to stop him.

Having cultivated to such a level with great difficulty, they did not want to perish just like that.

Only to hear the Immortal Race Half-step God Realm expert declare loudly, "This time, our three races concede. Regarding the immortal egg, we will no longer participate!"

His face showed a struggle, and he even turned to glance at the immortal egg suspended in the pillar of light.

His words made the tribesmen of the three races look displeased. Were they out of the game so quickly?

Coming with high hopes and returning in disappointment perfectly encapsulated their current feelings.

The Spirit Race Half-step God Realm expert and the Nether Race Half-step God Realm expert's divine soul also remained silent, clearly agreeing with the former's statement.

"Haha!"

Suddenly, the Swamp Crocodile Demigod burst into laughter, simultaneously reverting to human form. His eyes were full of mockery, leaving the three of them utterly bewildered.

"No, are you overthinking things? Come when you want, leave when you want? Where's the logic in that?"

The Swamp Crocodile Demigod said seriously after he finished laughing.

"What do you want then?"

In the Immortal Race Half-step God Realm expert's view, the other party speaking now was simply trying to negotiate some terms.

But forced by the situation, he had to forcibly suppress the anger in his heart.

"Hehe, what? I want all of you to remain here. What do you think?"

The Swamp Crocodile Demigod's eyes blazed with ferocity, his killing intent chilling as he spoke.

"How dare you!"

At this moment, even the Spirit Race Half-step God Realm expert couldn't sit still. After a loud shout, he turned his head to look at Qing Lan.

At this moment, it was Qing Lan of the Human Race who truly held their fate in his hands. As long as he didn't agree, their lives would be safe.

Hearing this, Qing Lan also raised his eyes, and a slight change appeared in his usually placid gaze.

It was an intense murderous aura!

He slowly said, "Fellow Daoist of the Demon Race is right. Today, none of you will leave!"

"Do you want to start an all-out war with our three races? Can you bear the cost?"

A fierce, yet inwardly weak, roar came from the Nether Race Half-step God Realm expert's divine soul.

Qing Lan scanned the crowd, and said calmly, "Of course. From the moment you entered this battlefield, your fate was already sealed."

"So, you can go die!"

With that, he swung an invisible sword light from his hand, which seemed to pose no threat.

But the Immortal Race and Spirit Race Half-step God Realm experts were terrified, feeling a fatal crisis rapidly approaching.

Clang!

Suddenly, a giant immortal bell descended from the sky, blocking their path and emitting an earth-shattering chime.

Immediately, a voice filled with a hint of surprise rang out:

"Little fellow of the Human Race, don't be too extreme in everything!"