Li Sheng! He was the only remaining inner-city disciple among the spirit beasts!

By this time, his clothes were already dyed a dark crimson with blood, and his naturally gaunt face, set against the splatters of gore, appeared even more ferocious and terrifying, like a vengeful demon just clawed its way out of hell. “Even in this state, he still won’t let you go!” Miao Ge’s vibrant figure flashed into view from the side.

A flush of excited crimson still graced her pretty face. Since entering the Illusionary Space, constantly threatened by spirit beasts, outer-city disciples, and inner-city disciples alike, she had been cautious at every turn, yet still managed to be schemed against by Fei Tong, a ninth-rank Spirit Fusion master.

Although she ultimately turned the tables and forced Fei Tong out of the Illusionary Space, she was inevitably cornered by another inner-city disciple named Hong Guang. If Nie Kong hadn't suddenly appeared at the critical moment to save her, she would likely already be outside in the Lingxiao Altar, serving as a mere spectator for this Six Halls Grand Competition.

Just now, having left Nie Kong’s back, Miao Ge no longer needed to worry about any threats. She moved amongst the spirit beasts, flowing left and right as easily as a fish in water.

Watching one arrogant inner-city disciple after another forced to use their "Verdant Pattern Jade Tablet" and flee in disgrace brought her a sense of satisfaction that words could hardly describe; even the "hatred" she felt from Nie Kong poking her chest and slapping her backside vanished into thin air. “As expected!” Nie Kong let out a cold sneer.

In an instant, his four spirit apertures vibrated. Nie Kong reached out and grasped; a brilliant, emerald-green blade nearly ten feet long materialized effortlessly in his hand.

Outside, gathering the spiritual energy elements from heaven and earth to forge a weapon consumed immense energy, but here, in the life-rich Illusionary Space, it was utterly simple. Dragging the long saber, his feet treading on flowing light and fleeting shadows, Nie Kong slipped towards Luo Sheng, dozens of meters away, like a phantom.

He could see that Luo Sheng had slain the most spirit beasts, but his consumption was also massive. Even with spiritual elixirs consumed mid-fight to replenish spiritual power, it was merely a drop in the ocean; Luo Sheng was now at the end of his tether.

If he didn't strike now, when would he? “Swish!” When he was only a few meters from Luo Sheng, Nie Kong suddenly leaped up, bringing the emerald saber straight down upon Luo Sheng’s head.

The verdant glow sliced through the void like lightning, stirring up the wood spiritual energy elements and vitality within a radius of ten meters, all condensing and surging towards Luo Sheng like an overwhelming tide following the long blade. “Nie Kong, you finally deigned to show up!” Luo Sheng’s voice was as deep as the grim wind surging up from the Nine Netherworlds.

He tore the spirit beast in front of him into two halves with his azure longsword, and amidst the splattering blood, a streak of azure light shot out, enveloped in a scorching aura, meeting Nie Kong’s descending emerald saber head-on. “Boom!” Neon colors burst apart, spiritual energy surged violently, and even the void within several meters seemed pierced with countless holes by the fierce, outward gushing force.

Luo Sheng recoiled as if struck heavily, spitting blood, his body flying backward, the azure longsword in his hand dissolving piece by piece. But while airborne, Luo Sheng’s hand flashed to his robe, retrieving a black pill and stuffing it into his mouth.

He twisted his body, landing lightly on the ground, his cheeks instantly flushing a deep, blood-red. “Hah!” Luo Sheng roared low, two strange orbs of red light shooting from his eyes.

Without pausing, he lunged again towards Nie Kong, becoming incredibly vigorous once more, as if the spiritual power he had depleted had been fully restored. As his figure charged forward, Luo Sheng materialized another azure longsword in his hand.

In the blink of an eye, the points of red light shimmering on the sword blade rapidly spread, then engulfed the entire weapon. It seemed as if the wind spiritual energy elements that had condensed the sword were entirely replaced by fire spiritual energy elements.

The fiery-red spiritual weapon, set against his two eyes blazing with red light, caused Luo Sheng to exude a bizarre, fierce aura. Instantly, the surrounding air seemed to ignite.

What a strange elixir! With that thought, Nie Kong’s long saber melted back into the void.

His figure began to flicker ghost-like left and right, circling the massive bodies of the several spirit beasts nearby. “Fire Nirvana, run!” Almost the moment Nie Kong’s figure moved, Miao Ge’s panicked shout echoed from a distance.

“Nie Kong! Stop!” Luo Sheng let out a harsh, hoarse roar like a wounded wild beast.

He swung the fiery-red longsword madly; the spirit beast blocking his path immediately exploded into flying flesh and gore, riddled with gashes, and an acrid, burnt smell began to spread faintly. Nie Kong sneered inwardly.

His figure instantly vanished without a trace. He didn't know what "Fire Nirvana" was that Miao Ge mentioned, but judging by Luo Sheng’s state after taking the elixir, his strength was probably no less than his peak.

Nie Kong had over a thousand spirit beasts under his command; even if he tired himself out, he could exhaust Luo Sheng. Victory was virtually assured.

To clash head-on with him now would only be the act of a fool! “Nie Kong, you coward…” Luo Sheng’s figure was once again swallowed by the rampaging spirit beasts, his piercing roar occasionally cutting through the beasts' cries, sounding exceptionally jarring… “Nie Kong, it was good you didn't stay to fight him head-on; it would have been dangerous.” From a distance, seeing Nie Kong emerge from the gap between two spirit beasts, Miao Ge let out a relieved gasp, smiling brightly.

Nie Kong couldn’t help but chuckle, “Fight him head-on? Do you think I look like that kind of person?” “I don’t think so either.

You’re best at sneak attacks!” Miao Ge’s lips curved slightly, and the beauty mark beneath her eye quivered. The casual smile she displayed was unusually charming.

“Am I that shameless?” Nie Kong laughed heartily, watching Luo Sheng’s lion-like frenzy nearby. “Miao Ge, what is this ‘Fire Nirvana’ you mentioned?” Miao Ge rolled her eyes, “I’m older than you; you must call me Senior Sister Miao Ge.” “Indeed, you’re older, and very full too—you made my back ache just carrying you!” Nie Kong glanced at Miao Ge’s chest and nodded in agreement.

“Not only full, but also firm and bouncy. Do you want to feel?” Miao Ge’s cheeks flushed, her pretty face beaming, but her beautiful eyes were slowly narrowing into slits.

“Ahem, well… that might not be appropriate, right?” Nie Kong rubbed his smooth chin somewhat awkwardly. Then, he abruptly changed his tone, becoming serious, “But Senior Sister Miao Ge, you are so enthusiastic, it would be a real mood-killer if I refused.

Since that’s the case, I’ll reluctantly agree to give it a couple of touches!” “Reluctantly? Dream on!” Miao Ge glared, her row of pearly teeth grinding audibly.

Her slender leg shot out towards Nie Kong with a flying kick. This bastard dared to openly tease her, and even acted as if she was the one begging for it while he was unwilling—truly despicable and hateful!

“Roar!” With a mournful cry, Luo Sheng stirred his fiery-red longsword inside a spirit beast, causing the massive creature to instantly explode into countless chunks of meat, black like charcoal lumps. “Nie Kong!” Luo Sheng glared venomously at Nie Kong, only to see him casually flirting with a beautiful girl in the distance while he was consumed by fury.

The longsword in his hand pulsed with a fiery-red, scorching aura that dispersed from the blade, enveloping the closest charging spirit beast… “Alright, alright, I’m done joking with you. Let’s talk about this ‘Fire Nirvana.’” Seeing Miao Ge poised to pounce on him like an angry lioness, Nie Kong chuckled dryly and quickly took hold of her small hand.

Miao Ge glared fiercely at Nie Kong, shaking off his grip. Her proud chest heaved dramatically for a while before settling down.

“Hmph,” she said, “'Fire Nirvana' is only suitable for Spirit Masters like us who possess mutated spiritual power, and furthermore, we must have fused with fire spiritual energy elements.” “Oh?” Nie Kong’s eyes lit up. Such an elixir existed?

Why hadn't his master, Nie Xingyun, or Lian Tianxin ever mentioned it back in the Nie family in Jiyang City? “What rank is this elixir?” Nie Kong asked quickly.

“Unranked.” Seeing Nie Kong’s urgency, Miao Ge gave him an impatient look. “What do you mean?” Nie Kong was slightly stunned.

Miao Ge explained, “This ‘Fire Nirvana’ has no fixed rank. It can be any rank from third grade upwards.

The higher the grade, the stronger the medicinal effect, and the weaker the resulting side effects.” “It can be like that?” Nie Kong found it somewhat inconceivable—it could be third, fourth, or fifth grade, or sixth, seventh, or eighth grade. Truly marvelous!

Immediately, Nie Kong’s heart fluttered. He needed to get one of these elixirs to try, preferably one he could discern the formula for using his ‘Scent-Sensing Medicine Recognition,’ so he could refine it himself later.

After a moment’s thought, Nie Kong murmured, “Judging by Luo Sheng’s state, the ‘Fire Nirvana’ not only instantly restored all his spiritual power but also transformed all the spiritual power within his body into fire spiritual power?” “That’s right,” Miao Ge nodded. “The fire spiritual power transformed by this elixir is much more intense than ordinary fire spiritual power, and it can increase one’s strength by nearly double.

That’s why I immediately urged you to run when I saw him consume the ‘Fire Nirvana.’ If you had stayed any longer, you might have been instantly charred into a piece of charcoal by him. Fortunately, the medicinal effect of this elixir doesn't last long—only about fifteen minutes, it seems.

Once the effect wears off, the aftereffects are extremely severe, even stronger than the ‘Biyou Pill’ I took today. However, as the elixir's grade increases, the aftereffects will weaken accordingly.” It could increase his strength by double!

Nie Kong was inwardly astonished. Looking at Luo Sheng frantically battling the spirit beasts over there, he instantly understood.

The fact was evident: Luo Sheng was now killing spirit beasts at an astonishing speed. Thankfully, there were enough spirit beasts here; otherwise, Nie Kong would have to worry again about whether he could successfully pass the assessment.

“Senior Sister Miao Ge, where can one purchase this ‘Fire Nirvana’?” Knowing the power of this elixir, Nie Kong grew even more eager, unable to stop himself from asking. Since he possessed vitality/life force, perhaps after figuring out the formula for the ‘Fire Nirvana,’ he could weaken or even completely eradicate its aftereffects.

If that were possible, it would be magnificent! “Pfft!” Hearing Nie Kong’s question, Miao Ge couldn’t help but let out a soft giggle.

“You still want to buy it? To tell you the truth, the ‘Fire Nirvana’ isn't sold anywhere!

Not even in the Red Chamber. Only one person on the entire Heavenly Spirit Continent knows the formula—the Hall Master of the Medicine Heart Hall.

When he refines it, he usually submits it to the inner city, where the inner city rewards Spirit Masters who possess mutated spiritual power. Do you think you can actually buy one?” Nie Kong paid no mind to Miao Ge’s slightly teasing final comment.

His eyes darted around as he pondered. This time, the Hall Master of the Medicine Heart Hall offered the condition of achieving first place in the third monthly assessment to have this newly initiated disciple, himself, participate in the ‘Six Halls Grand Competition,’ and he even claimed to know him… Could there be some connection to the Nie family in this?

If so, perhaps he could find a way to obtain a ‘Fire Nirvana’ from him! However, Nie Kong wasn't very confident about this matter, as Miao Ge’s words alone revealed how precious this elixir was, making it no easy task to acquire one.

Nie Kong frowned slightly. Miao Ge didn't disturb him, her eyes shifting back towards Luo Sheng.

“Nie Kong, come over here!” Luo Sheng roared madly, his voice rough. He was now dishevelled, covered in dripping blood, his body stained with the shredded flesh of spirit beasts, looking like a phantom.

Nie Kong snapped back to reality, glanced over, and roared with laughter, “Luo Sheng… ah, Senior Brother, you still have so much delicious food here. Enjoy yourselves a little longer.

When you’ve had your fill, I’ll personally come over to entertain you. As for now, please excuse me, hahahaha…” “Nie Kong,” Luo Sheng’s harsh cries followed one after another, making even Miao Ge nearby feel a chill run down her spine.

She felt like Luo Sheng was rapidly becoming one of the spirit beasts nearby—how much resentment could drive someone to this state? Wait, did Nie Kong really kill his brother?

Nie Kong felt nothing hearing the hysterical screaming. His gaze swept around.

There were still small clusters of spirit beasts moving towards them. As for the inner-city disciples, a few figures had appeared in the distance earlier, but as soon as they were besieged by spirit beasts, they immediately activated their "Verdant Pattern Jade Butterflies" and fled.

Nie Kong had already counted: Xiao Yao, Fei Tong, Hong Guang, and the inner-city disciples forced out from this area totaled sixty people. Including the few lurking in the distance earlier, it was still under seventy.

The inner-city disciples in this Illusionary Space should be around thirty more, but they hadn’t appeared yet, and likely wouldn’t appear later! Nie Kong mused silently.

What Xiao Yao said about Luo Sheng and the inner-city disciples colluding to prevent him from leaving the Illusionary Space alive was likely just an attempt to frighten him, so the language used was overly exaggerated. Luo Sheng was indeed formidable, and he was an elixir master, but judging by his personality, it seemed difficult for him to have all the inner-city disciples indebted to him for help.

Just like those who arrived earlier, most came after seeing a signal to rescue companions, only to find themselves trapped in the spirit beasts’ encirclement and unable to escape. Despite this, Nie Kong felt no regret for using the spirit beasts to drive them into a state of panic and flight.

Since they knowingly entered an area filled with spirit beasts and still ran over, they had to accept some consequences! In the future, when he entered the inner city, those disciples might make things difficult for him everywhere, Nie Kong knew this clearly but paid it no mind.

If he couldn't even handle their petty obstacles, what use would it be for him to enter the inner city? The only one Nie Kong genuinely worried about was this fellow named Luo Sheng.

“Ah!” A scream suddenly drew Nie Kong’s attention. He looked over to see Luo Sheng stagger a few steps, blood spurting from his chest, only to be immediately slammed in the back by a spirit beast.

Blood erupted from his mouth like sharp arrows. Luo Sheng fiercely thrust his sword a few times, batting away the surrounding beasts, and then gasped heavily, appearing severely injured… Chapter Update: Third watch is done.

The two thousand words owed from yesterday will have to wait until tomorrow. Also, the plot in the Illusionary Space concludes tomorrow.

Thank you for your support, brothers. .

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