The Soul-Piercing Needle Explodes

Inside the cave, spiritual energy swirled wildly as spells and techniques clashed like a violent storm. The entire battlefield was engulfed in a tempest of spiritual power, with the acrid scent of burning flames and crackling lightning filling the air. The battle had reached a fever pitch.

Lan Ku, the leader of Cloud Mist Mountain, who had just declared his name, stood with cold eyes. His Soul-Piercing Needle, which had been his most powerful weapon, was now trapped by the scattered cultivator's spell. With spiritual energy clashing and sword energy flying, Lan Ku found himself quickly running out of energy, realizing that the battle was becoming increasingly unfavorable.

"This can't go on... If I keep dragging this out, I'll exhaust my power and be overwhelmed by these scattered cultivators," Lan Ku gritted his teeth, knowing he had to finish this quickly or risk defeat.

On the other side, the scattered cultivator holding the Soul-Piercing Needle was also nearing his limit. Despite successfully trapping Lan Ku's treasure, his spiritual energy was dwindling fast, his aura becoming unstable. "Just a little longer... and I can completely suppress him," he thought, determined to lock Lan Ku down. However, his spiritual power was clearly at its breaking point, and though the Soul-Piercing Needle was restrained, Lan Ku could still unleash powerful fire and lightning attacks.

"If that's the case, let's die together!"

A savage gleam flashed in Lan Ku's eyes. Biting down on his tongue, he spat out a mouthful of blood essence, directing it straight toward the Soul-Piercing Needle. At the same time, he quickly formed a series of hand seals, fusing his blood with his spiritual energy. The Soul-Piercing Needle trembled violently.

"No! He's going to detonate the Soul-Piercing Needle!"

Feng Ming Daoist shouted in alarm, but it was already too late. Empowered by Lan Ku's blood, the needle's azure glow exploded into a brilliant flash, expanding with overwhelming spiritual force.

"Boom!"

A deafening explosion reverberated through the cave as the Soul-Piercing Needle detonated midair, unleashing a destructive wave of power. The scattered cultivator, who had been on the verge of collapse, was instantly overwhelmed by the explosion's blast. His spiritual energy shield shattered in an instant, and he was engulfed by flames, his body torn apart, utterly annihilated—no trace remained.

"Ahhh!"

The scattered cultivator let out a final, harrowing scream before vanishing in the explosion's blinding light.

"Damn it!"

Feng Ming Daoist's eyes widened in fury as he watched his ally reduced to ashes. His grip on his sword tightened, his face contorted with anger and helplessness. Just as he prepared to launch another attack, he saw Lan Ku swiftly turn and make a dash for the remaining evil spirit fragments scattered across the battlefield.

Lan Ku didn't let the loss of the Soul-Piercing Needle deter him. Instead, he seized the opportunity created by the explosion's chaos. With a wave of his hand, spiritual energy formed a blur of movement as he darted across the cave, quickly gathering up the majority of the Gold Core evil spirit's fragments.

Wang Quan, standing nearby, instantly noticed Lan Ku's actions through his spiritual sense. Though the situation was perilous, he understood that now was not the best time for a direct confrontation. With the other scattered cultivator dead and Feng Ming Daoist furious, attempting to pursue Lan Ku could escalate the situation even further.

"Chasing him now may not be the best choice..."

Wang Quan's gaze sharpened as he held his Five Elements Spirit Disk, quietly containing his spiritual energy. He knew that while Lan Ku had lost the Soul-Piercing Needle, he was still a formidable mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Seeing that Feng Ming Daoist hesitated to pursue, Lan Ku smirked to himself. He knew that in his current state, staying any longer would be suicide. He had to retreat immediately.

Turning to the Cloud Mist Mountain cultivator who had been facing off against Wang Quan, Lan Ku barked, "Let's go!" Grabbing the other cultivator, the two of them retreated swiftly, their forms disappearing into the depths of the cave in streaks of spiritual light.

Feng Ming Daoist made to follow, but Wang Quan raised a hand, stopping him. "Feng Ming Daoist, there's no need to chase. We're not in the best condition either, and Lan Ku is still formidable. Pursuing him now might play right into his hands," Wang Quan advised, his voice calm and measured. His spiritual sense continued to scan their surroundings, carefully weighing the risks.

Feng Ming Daoist clenched his fists in frustration but knew that Wang Quan's reasoning was sound. He took a deep breath, glaring coldly at Lan Ku's retreating figure but ultimately did not give chase.

As Lan Ku sped away, he glanced back, his eyes filled with venom. A sinister smile crept across his face, and his voice echoed ominously through the cave:

"Remember this day! The grudge of Lan Ku will not be forgotten! Expect retribution from Cloud Mist Mountain!"

His voice, laden with cold menace, reverberated through the cave as he and his companion vanished.

The cave fell into an eerie silence as the remnants of the fierce spiritual energy gradually dissipated, leaving behind only the lingering heat and the scent of blood and ash. Wang Quan and Feng Ming Daoist stood in the center of the cave, their expressions heavy. Though they had survived the immediate danger, they both knew that the real challenge was only beginning.

"What should we do next?"

Feng Ming Daoist asked, his tone tinged with exhaustion and resignation as he looked to Wang Quan for guidance.

Wang Quan's eyes gleamed sharply as he surveyed the cave. Though Lan Ku had managed to take the majority of the spirit fragments, they still had a significant share of resources left. Despite the losses, they had emerged victorious—for now.

"First, let's restore our spiritual energy and gather the remaining fragments."

Wang Quan replied calmly, his spiritual energy still thrumming within him as he mentally prepared for the battles yet to come.