“Execute!” In the next moment, the five individuals spoke in unison.
Five thick and oppressive blood auras emanated from each of them, with traces of blood seeping from the corners of their mouths. As their words echoed, the mysterious pattern in the sky rapidly contracted, violently converging towards Casey’s body. Within a hundred meters, the air stirred violently, creating a scene akin to overturning rivers and seas, with a fierce wind and overwhelming momentum.
The Ink Blood Sword Formation, created by the second master of Ink Pavilion, consumed the caster’s essence blood as its cost. When multiple individuals joined forces, it significantly enhanced the power of the formation. If four peak-level War Emperors collaborated, the formed Ink Blood Sword Formation was capable of strangling a God-Emperor Realm expert.
The Ink Blood Sword Formation had strict requirements on the caster’s cultivation level; only martial artists of War Emperor Realm or higher could activate it. Anyone below that level had no chance. Moreover, invoking Ink Blood Sword Formation carried severe consequences. It could damage the caster’s meridians at the least and, at worst, harm the fundamental principles of martial arts, causing a drastic decline in cultivation.
Hence, unless absolutely necessary, the members of Ink Pavilion would not easily resort to using this technique, as it was a martial skill that harmed the user almost as much as the enemy.
“Not bad!”
Even before the five activated the Sword Formation, Casey sensed the extraordinary power of this technique, his pupils narrowing slightly. As the words fell, his aura of a complete War Emperor burst forth. Facing the Ink Blood Sword Formation, he wouldn’t underestimate the enemy. Gripping his war blade, he exerted full force and once again condensed the Bloodshadow Blade Technique.
A thunderous explosion reverberated, causing a rapid shockwave that destroyed a five-story building within two hundred meters. Trees were shattered into pieces. Following that, the five elders on the opposing side simultaneously spewed a large amount of blood into the air and were sent flying backward. They fell consecutively a hundred meters away, creating five uneven craters where they lay motionless.
At the same time, Casey slid back dozens of meters before stabilizing, also coughing up a large amount of blood, his aura in disarray. Evidently, Ink Blood Sword Formation had taken a toll on him.
“Casey, are you okay?” Felicia shouted anxiously, and Harleen’s face showed concern.
“I’m fine, no need to worry!” Casey wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and replied with a smile. After a brief recovery, he walked towards the leading elder of the opposing group.
“How-how could you withstand… the combined power of Ink Blood Sword Formation?” The elder struggled to raise his head upon seeing Casey approaching.
“Surprised?” Casey calmly responded.
“Indeed, worthy of being from King of the West’s side. Impressive…” The elder spoke with difficulty. “Give me a clean death…”
“Alright!” Casey agreed.
Then, with a flip of his wrist, the blade flashed, leaving a bloodline across the elder’s throat. His head drooped immediately. The fate of the other four was the same. Casey’s blade sliced through each of their throats one after another. After dealing with them, Casey stood in place, took a moment to catch his breath, and then rushed towards Azure Dragon’s battlefield.
Azure Dragon faced the remaining five elders from Ink Pavilion’s Elder Court, including two Novice War Emperors, one Tier-one War Emperor, and two Tier-two War Emperors.
Although Azure Dragon had recently advanced to the mid War Emperor stage with Billy’s help, facing five opponents ranging from early to mid War Emperor stages still put considerable pressure on him. After a dozen rounds, Azure Dragon sustained several injuries: various cuts on his arms and waist. In return, he had cleaved two of them into halves and severed one’s arm at the shoulder.
“He’s on his last legs, finish him in one go!” One of the elders at the Tier-two War Emperors said, looking at his companion.
“Alright!” The other responded loudly.
As they spoke, they unleashed their most powerful moves towards Azure Dragon.
“Two old fools, you’ll have to wait until your next life to kill me!” Azure Dragon’s eyes narrowed. His figure flashed, and the Blood Shadow Blade unleashed a blade aura to counter their attacks.
Boom!
A deafening sound echoed, causing a shockwave that pushed them back tens of meters, diminishing their auras.
“Lie down!” Azure Dragon, seizing the opportunity, charged towards one of the elders and executed the Bloodshadow Blade Technique with the remaining of his strength.
“Hmm?!” The elder didn’t expect Azure Dragon to take the initiative. His pupils contracted, hastily raising his sword to defend.
“You seek death!” The other elder shouted, his figure moving like a ghost.
In the next moment, Azure Dragon’s blade split the elder’s ancient sword into two, then pierced through his heart. Staggering back ten steps, the elder spewed a large amount of blood from his chest. Subsequently, he dropped to his knees, inserting the sword into the ground to support himself.
“…,” he tried to speak but couldn’t utter a word. His head drooped, and his breath vanished.
Almost simultaneously with Azure Dragon’s killing blow, the other elder’s sword aura shot towards Azure Dragon’s back.
In that critical moment, an extremely sharp blade aura, as chilling as lightning, collided with it, dissipating the opponent’s sword intent. Following that, the blade aura continued unabated, swiftly passing through the elder’s neck. After the blade passed, the head soared into the sky, blood spraying wildly.
“Thanks, Casey!” Azure Dragon grinned at Casey.
He dared to attack one of the elders because he had seen Casey’s situation. He knew Casey would come to his aid, leaving him with no worries. The comrades around Billy had experienced countless battles together, establishing a high level of tacit understanding. Many times, words were unnecessary as they could discern each other’s intentions effortlessly.
“You should tend to your wounds first,” Casey said with a faint smile before charging towards the battle circles of the others.
“These minor injuries can wait!” Azure Dragon replied and followed closely.
In the central courtyard, the battle between the two sides had escalated to a white-hot state.
Even though Vermilion Bird and Azure Fang had a higher cultivation level, the battle was far from easy. On one hand, the enemy outnumbered them, and these were all core disciples of Ink Pavilion, each with strength several levels higher than the previous ordinary disciples. On the other hand, apart from individual combat capabilities, the opponents occasionally cooperated to enhance their overall strength.
After about ten minutes, although half of the opposing side had been defeated, Vermilion and the others also bore numerous injuries.