85: After a bloody battle, the first glimmer of dawn appeared.

The Cult Master of the Dark Holy Cult and the Mysterious Figure led their subordinates who surged forward like a tide. Although Qiao Feng and the others had defeated the Fire Turtle, their stamina was greatly depleted. Facing this new wave of attacks, the pressure was as heavy as a mountain.

The Cult Master of the Dark Holy Cult waved his magic staff, and a black pillar of spiritual power shot up into the sky, then transformed into countless black sharp blades that rained down on Qiao Feng and the others. The Mysterious Figure formed hand Seals, and black mist spread out, condensing into black demonic shadows that lunged at everyone, baring their fangs and claws.

Qiao Feng endured his fatigue and unleashed the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms. Golden palm prints collided with the black sharp blades, emitting a series of crisp 'ding-ding' sounds. Although the palm prints repelled some of the blades, many still broke through the defense and flew towards the group.

Fu Hongxue swung his long saber, and Saber Qi crisscrossed, shattering the approaching blades. However, there were so many blades that his arms gradually became heavy, and each swing of the saber required immense effort.

West Gate Blows Snow and Ye Gucheng combined their swords, and Sword Qi formed a silver barrier, attempting to block the black demonic shadows. But the demonic shadows were powerful, constantly impacting the Sword Qi barrier, causing ripples on it, threatening to break at any moment.

The Man in Black Robe's hands trembled as he formed Seals, and the ice-blue runic light dimmed, yet still stubbornly flew towards the black demonic shadows. Although the runes could temporarily obstruct the demonic shadows' movements, their effect was much weaker than before.

The Woman in White's strength to play the jade flute also diminished, her flute music became intermittent, and the white light could only barely maintain everyone's defensive shield, no longer able to effectively interfere with the enemies.

The people of the Blood Demon Hall and the Nether Ghost Sect were equally exhausted, but they knew they absolutely could not retreat at this moment. The Blood Demon unleashed his final Blood Demon Cultivation Technique, and blood-red spiritual power entangled the black sharp blades like threads, attempting to block them. The Sect Master of the Nether Ghost Sect waved his staff, and the Ghost Spirits he summoned emitted faint cries, engaging in a desperate struggle with the black demonic shadows.

During the fierce battle, Qiao Feng noticed that the Dark Holy Cult members and the Mysterious Figure seemed to be deliberately driving them in one direction. A thought flashed through his mind, realizing this might be an enemy trap. "Everyone be careful, they are leading us somewhere, don't fall for it!" Qiao Feng shouted loudly.

However, the enemy's attacks grew fiercer, and everyone found it difficult to escape their control. Just as they were gradually falling into a predicament, suddenly, a loud Phoenix cry echoed from the sky. Everyone looked up and saw a giant Fire Phoenix circling in the air, its body burning with colorful flames, emitting a powerful aura.

The Fire Phoenix let out an angry Phoenix cry at the Dark Holy Cult members and the Mysterious Figure, then flapped its wings, and a pillar of colorful flames shot towards them. The Dark Holy Cult members and the Mysterious Figure were caught off guard by this sudden attack and scattered to dodge.

"It's the Fire Phoenix, it's here to help us!" Ye Gucheng exclaimed in surprise.

It turned out that the Fire Phoenix was the Divine Beast guardian of the Yanhuo Mountain Range. The various encounters of the group in the Yanhuo Mountain Range had drawn its attention. Seeing Qiao Feng and the others fighting evil forces, the Fire Phoenix decided to lend a hand.

The Fire Phoenix's arrival instantly reversed the situation. Its attacks were powerful and fierce, and the pillar of colorful flames was like a sharp sword, scattering the ranks of the Dark Holy Cult members and the Mysterious Figure.

Qiao Feng and the others seized the opportunity to rally. Qiao Feng unleashed the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms, imbued with the power of the mysterious Legacy, and the golden palm print, carrying the power of mysterious runes, blasted towards the Cult Master of the Dark Holy Cult. Fu Hongxue swung his long saber, and the Saber Qi of the "Bright Moon Blade of the Horizon" once again became sharp, slashing towards the Mysterious Figure.

West Gate Blows Snow and Ye Gucheng combined their swords, and Sword Qi crisscrossed, complementing the Fire Phoenix's colorful flames, launching a full counterattack against the enemy. The Man in Black Robe took the opportunity to recover some stamina and once again unleashed ice-blue runes, enhancing the power of his attack.

The Woman in White played the jade flute, and the flute music became passionate and powerful. White light once again enveloped everyone, providing them with strong defense and power boosts. The Blood Demon Hall members and the Nether Ghost Sect members also unleashed their unique techniques, attacking the enemy alongside Qiao Feng and the others.

Under the combined attack of everyone and the Fire Phoenix, the Dark Holy Cult members and the Mysterious Figure gradually could no longer resist. The Cult Master of the Dark Holy Cult's face was pale, and he looked at the unfavorable situation, his heart filled with unwillingness. "Retreat!" he shouted, leading his subordinates to flee the scene in disarray.

The Mysterious Figure also gave Qiao Feng and the others a fierce look, then retreated with the Cult Master of the Dark Holy Cult.

Qiao Feng and the others watched the enemies depart, all letting out a sigh of relief. They turned to look at the Fire Phoenix, which let out a gentle Phoenix cry, seemingly expressing friendship to everyone.

"Thank you, Fire Phoenix, for your assistance. If not for you, we would have had difficulty escaping today," Qiao Feng said, cupping his fists towards the Fire Phoenix.

The Fire Phoenix nodded, then transformed into a colorful ray of light and disappeared from everyone's sight.

"Alright, the enemies have temporarily retreated, let's continue searching for the flame marrow crystal," Qiao Feng said.

Everyone continued their journey in the Yanhuo Mountain Range. According to the clues the elder obtained from ancient texts, they were getting closer to the location of the flame marrow crystal. However, the Yanhuo Mountain Range was full of dangers, and no one knew what challenges awaited them ahead.

What dangers will they encounter while searching for the flame marrow crystal? Can they successfully find the flame marrow crystal and complete the Seal of the southern bright fire pearl? The situation in the Jianghu remains complex and ever-changing, and everything awaits them to uncover...