61: Temple standoff, the situation suddenly changes

Four factions stood in a tense standoff before the ancient temple, the atmosphere as volatile as a powder keg about to ignite. The Elder of the Dark Holy Cult stared with sinister eyes at Qiao Feng and the others, as if he wanted to devour them whole. “Hmph, Beyond Heaven, you’ve repeatedly ruined the Dark Holy Cult’s plans. Today, you even dare to contend with us for the gengjin divine stone. You’re simply courting death!”

Qiao Feng met his gaze without fear, declaring loudly, “Your Dark Holy Cult attempts to unseal the Ancient Seal, releasing evil powers that would harm the Jianghu. This gengjin divine stone must not fall into your hands.”

The Blood Demon of the Blood Demon Hall let out a chilling sneer, “You two factions shouldn’t argue. Do you really think you can monopolize the gengjin divine stone? Treasures of the world belong to the virtuous. What virtue or ability do you possess?”

The Sect Master of the Nether Ghost Sect also chimed in, “Indeed, who gets the gengjin divine stone will depend on whose fist is harder today!”

Just as the factions were at an impasse, dark clouds suddenly gathered in the sky. A massive bolt of lightning streaked across the firmament, striking directly towards the temple. With a loud “Boom!”, the runes on the temple gate glowed with an eerie light, and then, the gate slowly opened. A powerful and ancient aura surged from within the temple, causing everyone to involuntarily stir.

“Oh no, someone triggered the temple’s mechanism!” Although Jun Xiaoyao was far away in Beyond Heaven, he learned of the situation through a special communication method and secretly thought it was bad.

After the temple gate opened, a dazzling golden light shot out from inside. A golden glowing stone could vaguely be seen suspended in mid-air—it was precisely the gengjin divine stone that everyone coveted. Seeing the Divine Stone appear, the various factions could no longer hold back.

The Elder of the Dark Holy Cult was the first to attack. He waved the staff in his hand, and a black pillar of spiritual energy blasted towards Qiao Feng and the others, attempting to repel them and then seize the Divine Stone. Qiao Feng roared, unleashing the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms. Golden palm prints collided with the black spiritual energy pillar, erupting with a powerful impact that cracked the surrounding ground.

Fu Hongxue also attacked simultaneously. He rushed towards the Dark Holy Cult’s ranks like a phantom, his long saber swirling. The Saber Qi of the Bright Moon Blade of the Horizon crisscrossed, instantly engaging the Dark Holy Cult’s experts in battle. The brothers of Qingfeng Stockade were not to be outdone, drawing their weapons and joining the fray.

Seeing this, the experts of the Blood Demon Hall immediately joined the battle. The Blood Demon unleashed his eerie Blood Demon Cultivation Technique. With a wave of his hands, streaks of blood-red spiritual energy threads shot towards the crowd. These threads were like living beings, attempting to entangle the enemies. The Disciples of the Nether Ghost Sect chanted incantations, summoning black ghost shadows. The ghost shadows bared their fangs and claws, pouncing on the various factions, instantly throwing the scene into chaos.

In the melee, West Gate Blows Snow and Ye Gucheng also displayed their unique skills. West Gate Blows Snow’s sword technique was sharp, each sword strike aimed directly at the enemy’s vital points, carrying a chilling Sword Qi. Ye Gucheng’s movement technique was graceful, his sword moves unpredictable. He coordinated with West Gate Blows Snow, moving freely through the crowd, making it impossible for enemies to defend against them.

However, just as everyone was fighting fiercely, a group of Mysterious Persons dressed in strange attire suddenly surged out from within the temple. These Mysterious Persons held various peculiar weapons, their eyes cold. They joined the battle without a word, their target also appearing to be the gengjin divine stone.

“Who are these people? How did they suddenly appear?” Fu Hongxue shouted in confusion while fighting.

Qiao Feng loudly responded, “No matter who they are, let’s deal with the immediate trouble first! The gengjin divine stone must not fall into the hands of evildoers!”

The addition of the Mysterious Persons made the battle even more chaotic. Their strength was extraordinary, and their fighting style was strange, putting immense pressure on all factions. In a clash with a Mysterious Person, the Elder of the Dark Holy Cult was struck by their weapon and suffered a minor injury. The Blood Demon also had to divert some energy to deal with the Mysterious Persons’ attacks, completely disrupting the original battle rhythm.

In this chaotic situation, Qiao Feng seized the opportunity. His figure flashed, and he rushed towards the gengjin divine stone. He unleashed his full power, continuously striking out with the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms, repelling the enemies blocking his path.

“You want to take the gengjin divine stone? Ask the saber in my hand first!” Fu Hongxue followed closely behind Qiao Feng, his long saber swirling, protecting Qiao Feng.

However, the Cult Master of the Dark Holy Cult had also personally arrived at the scene at this moment. Seeing Qiao Feng and Fu Hongxue charging towards the gengjin divine stone, he roared, “How dare you!” He waved his magic staff, and a black pillar of flame swept towards Qiao Feng and Fu Hongxue.

Qiao Feng felt the powerful threat behind him and turned to resist with all his might. “Vast Dragon Regrets!” The golden palm print collided with the black pillar of flame, and the resulting impact sent Qiao Feng staggering back a few steps. Fu Hongxue took the opportunity to continue rushing towards the gengjin divine stone, but the Blood Demon and the Sect Master of the Nether Ghost Sect also simultaneously moved to block Fu Hongxue.

“Hmph, no one will get the gengjin divine stone so easily!” The Blood Demon waved his hands, and blood-red spiritual energy threads coiled towards Fu Hongxue. The Sect Master of the Nether Ghost Sect, meanwhile, summoned a giant black ghost claw, which lunged at Fu Hongxue.

Fu Hongxue’s figure flickered, cleverly dodging the Blood Demon’s spiritual energy threads, but the black ghost claw was extremely fast and still grazed his shoulder, leaving a bloody mark.

At this moment, West Gate Blows Snow and Ye Gucheng were also caught in a bitter struggle. The Mysterious Persons’ attacks left them somewhat overwhelmed. Although their sword techniques were superb, the Mysterious Persons were numerous and coordinated, making it difficult for them to break free for a while.

The situation became increasingly critical, with the various factions fighting to the death for the gengjin divine stone. And the appearance of the Mysterious Persons added even more variables to this struggle for a spiritual item. Could Qiao Feng, Fu Hongxue, and the others seize the gengjin divine stone in this chaotic situation? What was the origin of these Mysterious Persons? The situation in the Jianghu became increasingly complex, awaiting everyone to unravel the mystery...