"That's a beautiful sword—plain and unadorned, nothing fancy, but forged to perfection. It's a pity you have no physical body and can only rely on your spiritual form. You can't unleash its true power. If you can't hold on, you'd better leave now. After you've recovered, you can come back for revenge—it's not too late."
Lao Chongyuan spoke as he examined the Two Poles Sword in his hand, turning it over repeatedly. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he tossed the Two Poles Sword toward Zhang Jizheng, who caught it and focused his mind, staring intently at Lao Chongyuan.
"Did you not understand what I just said?"
Zhang Jizheng, furious, raised the Two Poles Sword and pointed it at Lao Chongyuan.
"Heh, if that's how you want it, don't blame me if nothing of you is left—not even ashes, you two."
Zhu Tang stood up and smiled. At that moment, I noticed his form was beginning to blur. I called out to him urgently.
"Are you going to be alright?"
Zhu Tang turned his head and gave me a smile.
"Worry about yourself first, Ethan Zhang. Heh, I'm doing just fine!"
Lao Chongyuan charged forward at high speed. Zhang Jizheng raised the Two Poles Sword and thrust at him, but Lao Chongyuan ducked, dodged aside, and landed a punch—Zhang Jizheng was sent flying. Zhu Tang, standing nearby, also took a punch, and both of them were knocked back at the same time.
"I don't have time to deal with you anymore."
As Lao Chongyuan spoke, he passed by me, grabbed me with one hand, lifted me up, and walked toward the pinned Zuo Quanyi in the distance.
"Take him away."
Zhang Jizheng shouted and charged forward. The golden light on his body had faded significantly, yet he still raised the Two Poles Sword and stabbed at Lao Chongyuan.
With a bang, Lao Chongyuan caught the sword with one hand, then twisted suddenly, flipping Zhang Jizheng over. Lao Chongyuan withdrew his fist, and a black vortex appeared behind his elbow. With a thunderous blow, Master Zachary Wu's body was struck and pierced through. At that moment, Zhang Jizheng suddenly grabbed Lao Chongyuan's fist with both hands.
"It's useless now, Taoist. Your power will soon disappear."
But Zhang Jizheng started laughing.
"Never underestimate human obsession, kid."
Zhang Jizheng, wielding the Two Poles Sword, swung it mercilessly at Lao Chongyuan's neck.
With a thunderous roar, flames erupted from the Two Poles Sword in Zhang Jizheng's hand. Lao Chongyuan's expression tightened in fear—the Vermilion Bird's power had now fused with the sword.