Chapter 903: Chapter 903: Seven-Colored Incense Fire Arrow

Ten breaths are not an empty boast from Ning Fan, but a promise born of careful consideration.

He had comprehended the Momentum Character Secret of the Ancestral Emperor from the Eastern Heaven, able to see through the grand force flow of the Formation.

The fierce array before him used sand as its base, aligning secretly with the element of earth, divided into three layers: Blood Sand, Black Sand, and Yellow Sand. The Yellow Sand array was the weakest, and the Blood Sand the strongest.

The source of the array’s power came from the eight Stone Towers within the Blood Sand formation.

In these three layers, the grand force flowed like the ebb and flow of tides, and every ten breaths, the formation’s force would be at its weakest, presenting the optimal opportunity to break the formation.

The only thing that caused Ning Fan deep concern was the vermilion ’Seal’ character atop the eight Stone Towers.

That single character seemed to contain an ancient power, as if under its influence, all things in this world could be sealed away.

Under that sealing power, the entrance to the Dead Gate Interface gradually closed, allowing entry but not exit. Some masters used Divine Skills, attempting to fly out of the Dead Gate, only to find they couldn’t leave.

Many old monsters gradually discerned the way: unless this fierce array was destroyed, no one could leave…

As Ning Fan’s voice spread, many human experts extended their spirit senses to probe the depths of the fierce array.

No one could believe that Miaoyan Immortal Honorific could be trapped within the Dead Gate Interface. Unfortunately, many human strongmen recognized Miaoyan’s aura, confirming that the woman trapped in the fierce array was indeed Miaoyan…

“What! Miaoyan Immortal Honorific is trapped in this fierce array!”

“This is bad, really bad. A fierce array that can trap even Miaoyan Immortal Honorific, how formidable it must be. If we want to destroy it, it’s too difficult…”

“But we’ve already entered this place. Without destroying the fierce array, we can’t leave. We’ll have to tough it out!”

“Come to think of it, if we can destroy this fierce array, not only can we ensure our safety, but we’ll also rescue Miaoyan Immortal Honorific, and that would be quite an achievement…”

Voices of discussion arose.

With a command from Ning Fan, the crowd of cultivators instantly fell silent.

“Now we are trapped in the Dead Gate Interface. Without destroying this fierce array, no one can leave! Whoever wants to escape here, come join Zhao and strike! Destroy the fierce array and rescue Miaoyan Immortal Honorific!”

With a command from Ning Fan, his voice immediately echoed through the sky, reaching the ears of every master on the Broken Continent.

He leaped into the air, followed by an army of 200,000 Stone Warriors, charging towards the Yellow Sand fierce array ahead with an unstoppable momentum, as if nothing could block his path!

His eyes burned with battle spirit, the power of War Yin and Yang driven to the utmost, connecting all battle spirit in heaven and earth to him!

Any master who heard his words inexplicably felt a surge of courage, as if greatly inspired, their battle spirit soared, and the fierce array no longer seemed so terrifying.

Ning Fan’s words echoed repeatedly in the crowd’s ears, sounding hypnotic, bewitching, awakening, and enlightening. Their eyes gradually grew vacant, but then, they all revealed determined expressions, displaying a fearless face in the face of death.

Whether stranded masters on the Demon Yuan Boat, or the ZiChou Battle Division, or Ning Fan’s previously rescued masters like Tong’er, any whose cultivation was below the Shedding Void Stage couldn’t resist the influence of Ning Fan’s battle spirit. They soared into the sky, closely following Ning Fan, charging towards the Yellow Sand array!

“We are willing to follow Senior Zhao, destroy the fierce array, save the Immortal Honorific, and escape alive!”

To find a path to survival, destroy the fierce array together!

The shouts of the cultivators echoed to the heavens, their voices full of boundless battle spirit, their momentum unstoppably forward.

This is the power of War Yin and Yang, capable of weakening others’ battle spirit, inspiring the heart, doubling the courage and excitement of the crowd.

Gradually, even some Shedding Void Elders were inspired by Ning Fan, charging forward, joining the ranks.

As for those familiar with Ning Fan, like the Four-eyed Demon Monarch and Fairy Hanwux, they had long since charged out. The cheerful Xian Luoli led the vanguard, while at the rear was the reluctant and murmuring Burying Moon. Even Liu Yan, though low in cultivation, also charged out, closely following behind Ning Fan.

Except for Zhao Die’er and other Stone Warriors from Tianman City who couldn’t fly, almost every master was aroused by Ning Fan, soaring into action!

Demon Yuanzi, Jin Hua Ancestor, Teng Nan, and Teng Bei exchanged glances, all showing expressions of shock.

All four were Fragmented Thought Elders, able to vaguely discern that Ning Fan’s rousing of the cultivators involved some method. That method was incredibly impressive, involving traces, beyond the four’s understanding.

“The escape route has been sealed; at this point, it’s unavoidable, we must act too. Destroying the fierce array is the only way…”

Demon Yuanzi sighed deeply, along with other Fragmented Thought masters, leaping into action, joining the array-destroying army, though secretly filled with dread.

He was the first human Fragmented Thought to meet Ning Fan, all along doubting the accuracy of Ning Fan’s information, fearing being manipulated by Ning Fan. Now trapped in the Dead Gate by Ning Fan’s deceit, he cursed inwardly, but had no choice but to follow Ning Fan grimly.

One breath, two breaths, three breaths.

The Yellow Sand array now lay a mere thousand zhang away, right before them!

Ning Fan pressed his five fingers forward, instantly causing a torrential downpour, the rain controlled by him to form a gigantic hand seal, crashing down upon the Yellow Sand array ahead.

He wasn’t alone; any Stone Warrior or master who had charged near also took action, unleashing various Divine Skills upon the Yellow Sand array.

Various flowing lights bombarded the Yellow Sand desert, immediately riddling it with thousands of holes, collapsing by the fourth breath!

The first of the three layers of the fierce array, the Yellow Sand array, was broken!

Seeing the first layer of the fierce array breached, countless cheers erupted among the cultivators. Following Ning Fan to destroy the fierce array, their confidence grew stronger!

With myriad Divine Skills paving the way, Ning Fan led the army charging fiercely, his eyes carrying an unstoppable belief.

Fifth breath, nearing the Black Sand array’s range, sixth breath, tens of thousands of Divine Skills blasted through, seventh breath, Black Sand array broken!

In front of him, the most formidable Red Sand Formation finally revealed itself, with eight towering and eerie stone towers appearing before the gathered masters.

These eight stone towers, if destroyed from within rather than from without, would be difficult even for the Miaoyan Immortal Honorific to manage.

But to destroy them from the outside is not difficult! The key is to seize the right moment!

At the eighth breath, Ning Fan did not act.

At the ninth breath, Ning Fan summoned the Rain and Battle Ten Swords.

At the tenth breath, Ning Fan suddenly charged out, heading directly towards the most damaged of the eight stone towers!

That was the fifth stone tower, already damaged by several of Miaoyan Immortal Honorific’s attacks.

At this moment, it was the weakest moment of the Red Sand Formation’s power!

At this moment, with a single command from Ning Fan, the divine skills of the gathered masters immediately targeted the stone tower he attacked.

Tens of thousands of divine powers converged into a dazzling, blinding divine light, within which Ning Fan’s ten swords paved the way like a falling meteor, directly crashing onto the fifth stone tower.

The Miaoyan Immortal Honorific, engaged in battle with numerous stone warriors, suddenly turned back to gaze towards the fifth stone tower.

What she could see was the spectacle of the fifth stone tower collapsing from the outside in under tens of thousands of divine powers!

The eight stone towers were interconnected; damage to one would bring the others down with it. Ning Fan destroyed only one, but the other seven stone towers all collapsed at the same time!

The countless stone warriors besieging Miaoyan Immortal Honorific also let out a collective wail as they disappeared one after another.

The Red Sand Formation was broken!

The Miaoyan Immortal Honorific was freed!

She glanced back, and at the tenth breath, saw a silver-haired man with a ghostly face, wrapped in tens of thousands of divine skills, rushing towards her.

The man’s gaze was so cold, revealing no emotion, as if destroying the deadly array to save her was only a matter of course, an easily accomplished deed.

Despite the indifference reflected in those emotionless eyes, the heart of the Miaoyan Immortal Honorific, which had been calm for many years, suddenly rippled slightly.

She stared in a daze at the approaching Ning Fan, unable to take her eyes off him.

In her most desperate moment, it was this person who came at great risk to save her…

“Th-thank you…”

A radiant smile suddenly appeared on her pale, weakened face.

She had already been holding on till now, running on fumes, sustained by sheer willpower.

Now, having narrowly escaped danger, she hadn’t even clearly seen who had rescued her before a deep sense of exhaustion washed over her.

Her vision blackened, and she fainted, falling from the sky.

So tired, she couldn’t open her eyes…

So weary, she couldn’t muster a single ounce of strength…

In a haze, Miaoyan Immortal Honorific vaguely sensed herself falling into the embrace of a man.

The scent filling her nostrils was entirely from the man, laced with an unshakable smell of blood, suggesting that he had been involved in much slaughter before rescuing her…

Ning Fan had a slightly peculiar expression as he caught the Miaoyan Immortal Honorific descending from the sky, holding her in his arms.

This woman, though covered in blood and grime, exuded a faint fragrance, sweet and sticky like the scent of green apple grass…

Though he held warmth and softness in his arms, Ning Fan felt no lewd thoughts, considering that he was holding an Eternal Immortal Venerable whose cultivation status still existed…

“She actually fainted… It seems she’s exhausted all her strength to hold on until now…”

Ning Fan sighed slightly; if he had come a bit later, perhaps the Miaoyan Immortal Honorific would indeed have perished within this deadly formation.

Stepping on the escape light, Ning Fan flew back to the Broken Continent with Miaoyan Immortal Honorific in his arms.

This scene left many of the masters following closely behind Ning Fan wide-eyed and speechless.

What did they see…

Could it be that the mighty Miaoyan Immortal Honorific was carried back by Ning Fan all the way…

…

Her head was groggy, with a faint pain in her divine sense. She wanted to open her eyes but couldn’t…

Not knowing how long she had been asleep, Miaoyan Immortal Honorific suddenly felt a pair of hands roaming over her, seeming to be undressing her.

She could feel the clothes being stripped away, and could feel the chill on her chest, even her corset being undone…

“Who is it, who is undressing me! Could it be that Daoist who rescued me!”

Miaoyan Immortal Honorific felt both ashamed and angry, eager to open her eyes and see, but painfully unable to do so.

Suddenly, a chill enveloped her body, and the sound of water reached her ears; it seemed she had been placed into water.

Immediately, she felt that there was a pair of hands roaming over her body, seemingly helping her wash herself…

“Who is helping me bathe! Could it be him!”

Miaoyan Immortal’s mind was filled with the image of Ning Fan rushing forward, her pretty face blushing even more.

She could feel those hands sometimes brushing over her smooth silk-like spine, and sometimes over her full soft chest.

She felt somewhat inexplicably restless and a bit angry at the person’s audacity and frivolity.

Not knowing how long it was, Miaoyan Immortal finally gathered a bit of strength and opened her eyes.

What she saw was herself sitting in a wooden tub, with flower petals of the Qingping grass floating on the water.

Beside her, a pair of delicate little hands was helping her wash. They were not Ning Fan’s hands, but a woman’s hands.

“Tong’er? Why is it you helping me wash… I thought it was…”

Miaoyan Immortal finally saw clearly that the one helping her bathe was not the imagined Ning Fan, but indeed her maid Tong’er.

She breathed a sigh of relief, chiding herself for overthinking as one sentence left Tong’er puzzled.

She was Miaoyan Immortal’s maid, naturally meant to serve Miaoyan Immortal in bathing. Who else could it be…

“How long was I unconscious…” Miaoyan Immortal spread out her spirit sense, simultaneously asking Tong’er.

“In response to the master, the master has been unconscious for three whole days…”

“Three days! Which means the blood sacrifice barbarism has passed four whole days, damn it! Unconscious for too long!”

Miaoyan Immortal’s brows furrowed as she asked Tong’er several questions, such as the location of the cultivator who saved her.

After a round of inquiries, Miaoyan Immortal gradually revealed an expression of admiration, finally knowing that the person who saved her was named Zhao Jian.

Even Tong’er was saved by Zhao Jian…

“Zhao Jian, is it… If not for this Daoist friend saving me, most likely, I would have already become a corpse… This is a great favor, not to be forgotten…” Miaoyan Immortal murmured.

Suddenly, Miaoyan Immortal’s beautiful eyes trembled, sensing something, she casually pulled a towel and wrapped it around herself. In a flash, she appeared at the window, looking incredulously at the sky over Tianman City.

In that sky, there were two ancient monuments inching closer…

Those two ancient monuments were actually locked onto her aura, searching all the way here!

…

Since Miaoyan Immortal was rescued, three days had passed. For three whole days, Miaoyan Immortal had remained unconscious.

The Broken Continent had long flown out of the Dead Gate Interface under Ning Fan’s control, yet there was no destination for further progress.

During Miaoyan Immortal’s unconscious period, Ning Fan also rummaged through Miaoyan Immortal’s storage pouch.

He automatically ignored various small items in the storage pouch, simply searching for something that could establish contact with Liuhe Immortal Lord.

However, unfortunately, Ning Fan did not find the needed item.

The Broken Continent flew aimlessly through various Life Gate Interfaces, with the ones controlling the continent’s flight now Demon Yuanzi, Jin Hua Ancestor, and four human masters of fragmented thought.

The four people naturally didn’t have the level of Divine Skills like Vertical Golden Light, but together, coupled with the power of the Through-Sky Stone, they could manage slow flight of the Broken Continent.

Miaoyan Immortal had not awakened, Ning Fan waited in vain, and so three days earlier he entered the Xuan Yin Treasure, beginning to deal with some miscellaneous matters. Naturally, it was to further enhance his survival amidst the primitive and wild tribulation.

The first thing to deal with was the Sub-Innate Bow Spirit, followed by the vast number of Slaughter Incense.

Time returned to three days ago.

In the Western Realm Cave Dwelling of the Xuan Yin Treasure, Ning Fan sat cross-legged, placing two bows in front of him.

One was the Dragon-Horned Changgong, transformed from the Candle Bow Spirit.

The other was the iron Blood-colored Iron Core Bow, a Sub-Innate Bow Spirit snatched from Fan Lianxiu.

At this moment, that Blood-colored Iron Core Bow continuously emitted hostility, trying to break free from the seal, always locking Ning Fan with killing intent.

As for the Dragon-Horned Changgong, it continuously uttered flattering words to Ning Fan. The purpose of flattery was none other than to devour the other Blood Bow Spirit.

“Master, do you know how much admiration Little Bow has for you? Apart from the former master, Little Bow has never admired someone! No, compared to you, Little Bow’s former master is simply worthless!”

“Master, just be kind enough, let Little Bow devour that Sub-Innate Bow Spirit!”

“Master, how can you bear to see me plead with you so persistently, so lonely like snow…”

By his ear were the noisy words of Candle Bow Spirit.

Ning Fan did not pay attention to the Candle Bow Spirit, his gaze moving back and forth between the Dragon-Horned Changgong and the blood-colored long bow, sometimes his brows slightly furrowed, as if something was difficult to decide.

Artifact spirits have five levels: Mortal Grade, Immortal Grade, Acquired, Sub-Innate, and Innate.

In the four heavens and nine worlds, the magical treasure spirits in most masters’ hands are merely Mortal Grade, only a few Second Step Elders are qualified to possess Immortal Grade spirits.

Acquired spirits are extremely rare, generally only fragmented thought elders might possess Acquired spirits.

Sub-Innate Artifact Spirits are almost as rare as Innate Treasures, generally only figures of the Immortal Emperor level are qualified to possess such high-grade Artifact Spirits.

As for Innate Artifact Spirits… Ning Fan has only heard about them in ancient texts, never heard of anyone among the Four Heavens possessing an Innate Artifact Spirit.

The rarity of Innate Artifact Spirits far exceeds that of Innate Treasures. Spirits of that level cannot even be wielded by an Immortal Emperor…

The five Little Sword Spirits within Ning Fan’s sword pouch were mere Mortal Grade when first encountered. Although Ning Fan later bestowed five Immortal Swords upon them, nurturing them gradually to the Immortal Grade, advancement to the Acquired Sword Spirit seems almost unattainable…

The difficulty in enhancing an Artifact Spirit’s grade is evident.

The purpose of Artifact Spirits is to enhance the magical prowess of treasures.

If Ning Fan has a bow-type treasure of the Acquired Twelve Nirvana, and embeds within it a Sub-Innate Artifact Spirit, the power of that treasure could almost transcend the limits of the Acquired, rivaling true Innate Treasures!

Among similar Artifact Spirits, mutual absorption can occur, enhancing their own grade.

The Blood Bow Spirit is of the Sub-Innate level. The Candle Bow Spirit is similarly Sub-Innate level.

If the Candle Bow Spirit could absorb the Blood Bow Spirit, even if it doesn’t immediately progress to Innate, its own power would be substantially enhanced.

Similarly, if the Blood Bow Spirit absorbs the Candle Bow Spirit, it would have the same effect…

The difficult choice Ning Fan faces is deciding which Bow Spirit should be kept, and which should be consumed.

The Blood Bow Spirit is fierce and uncontrollable; the Candle Bow Spirit is noisy and annoying, with frequent rebellious thoughts.

If Ning Fan had a third obedient Bow Spirit, he would surely treat these two Sub-Innate Bow Spirits as mere fodder…

“Blood Bow! I ask you, if I give you a chance to consume this Dragon-Horned Bow, will you pledge allegiance to me?”

Ning Fan pointed a finger at the Blood Bow, slightly loosening its seal, and the Blood Bow transformed into a blood-colored youth.

The youth’s gaze was indifferent and unfeeling, not answering Ning Fan’s question, nor bothering to glance at the Candle Bow Spirit.

Upon taking human form, the youth smiled cruelly, revealing a mouth full of sharp teeth, lunging at Ning Fan.

Ning Fan shook his head, pointed his finger at the youth, causing him to groan and revert back to a bow form.

This youth acknowledges only Fan Lianxiu, showcasing his dignity, unfortunately he was unusable—so there’s no room to keep him…

The Blood Bow Spirit showed no reaction to Ning Fan’s words, but the Candle Bow Spirit did!

Upon hearing Ning Fan consider keeping the Blood Bow and discarding him, the Candle Bow Spirit trembled uncontrollably, half in anger and half in fear.

Ning Fan actually considered feeding him to the Blood Bow! How could he come up with such a wicked idea!

“Master! This notion shouldn’t be! The little bow has been at your side for decades, how can you feed the little bow to a newly acquired Bow Spirit! This is favoring the new over the old!”

“Master, the little bow has taught you Reverse Spirit Techniques, if not commendable service, at least laborious effort; how, how, how can you treat me like this!”

Seeing Ning Fan’s unwavering expression, the Candle Bow Spirit was deeply afraid, wondering how to change Ning Fan’s decision.

He did not want to be devoured by another Bow Spirit under any circumstance…

“The Blood Bow is of no great use, better to retain the Candle Bow…”

Ning Fan shook his head, pointed his finger at the Candle Bow, slightly unlocking its seal. The Candle Bow Spirit shook, immediately transforming into a peculiarly hunched old man.

“Candle Bow! I ask you, if I give you the chance to devour the Blood Bow, how will you repay me? What benefits can you provide!”

Upon hearing the question, the hunched old man form of the Candle Bow Spirit immediately fell to the ground, sobbing with joy!

By asking this, Ning Fan implied a remaining chance for survival—truly great news for him!

“Master… Master! I’m much more useful than that foolish bow, offering you countless benefits! The plentiful Slaughter Incense stored inside the Purple Gourd, I could sense them. I can help you refine them into Incense Arrows! Not ordinary Incense Arrows, but the ’Seven-Colored Incense Fire Arrows’ taught to me by my previous master!”

“With my Bow Spirit grade, the success rate for crafting Six-Colored Incense Fire Arrows is nearly one hundred percent, easily shooting down the early Shattered Thought stage!”

“Master should know, my success rate for crafting Seven-Colored Incense Fire Arrows, is one in ten! With a single Seven-Colored Incense Fire Arrow, even the Eternal Immortal Venerable could be gravely wounded! If Master allows me to devour the Blood Bow, hehe, I am confident in increasing the success rate to twenty percent!”

Finally, the hunched old man wiped his tears, contemptuously pointing at the Blood Bow,

“Such common Sub-Innate Bow Spirits can at most refine Incense Arrows to shoot down Shedding Void, definitely inferior to me…”

Ning Fan’s expression altered, recalling the clash with Fan Lianxiu.

Fan Lianxiu, having the Ancient Monument form, could unleash Incense Arrows with the power akin to an Immortal Venerable Strike. But once losing the Ancient Monument form, lacking its strength, the Incense Arrows could only possess the power to shoot down the peak of Shedding Void…

What was impressive was not the Incense Arrows formed by the Blood Bow Spirit, but Fan Lianxiu…

The Six-Colored Incense Fire Arrows mentioned by the Candle Bow Spirit, their power surpasses the Blood Bow’s Incense Arrows.

If the Candle Bow Spirit truly can craft such Seven-Colored Incense Fire Arrows and severely injure the Eternal Immortal Venerable, perhaps Ning Fan would be persuaded.

However, the authenticity of the Candle Bow Spirit’s claims remains to be verified.

“First, refine a Six-Colored Incense Fire Arrow for me, use this arrow to prove whether you speak the truth!”

(1/1) No more updates, wash up and rest… (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets, monthly tickets; your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please visit m.qidian.com for reading.)

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep