Chapter 167 — Decisive Battle

Only then did the towering water column come crashing down with a roar like a mountain torrent, drenching the ground around the Cold Ice Pool in cold spray. Righteous disciples who could not dodge in time scattered for cover, and for a moment there was a fair measure of confusion.

But most of the people had no thought to spare for such things now; their eyes were all fixed on the sky above. The Water Qilin, eyes glaring wide with rage, roared without cease, standing poised in the empty air—and a figure in dark green descended slowly upon its back, facing forward, toward the Beast Lord who now seemed all but invincible.

Perfected Dao Yan!

No change came to the Beast Lord's cold face; his gaze locked with Perfected Dao Yan's across the empty air, while beneath his feet the giant demonic beast howled fiercely at the Water Qilin in answer. The Water Qilin clearly held no fondness for such a creature, and looked all the more savage for it, baring a mouth full of fangs and roaring again and again.

Amid the roaring, the Water Qilin abruptly raised its head; a faint blue light flashed, and from its mouth it spat a long sword that seemed stone and yet not stone, which flew up into the air. Perfected Dao Yan stretched out his right hand and caught it.

In that instant, the whole of Canglan Mountain suddenly fell still—and a moment later, a cry like the rending of heaven burst forth in a tide.

The Immortal-Slaying Ancient Sword!

That legendary sword, peerless and indestructible, supreme immortal artifact of the righteous path for subduing demons and vanquishing evil—after ten years, it had at last reappeared in the world of men.

A beam of light flowed quietly from that legendary ancient sword like gentle water, passing into Perfected Dao Yan. Amid the countless cheers and cries of the crowd, at the very moment his hand closed on the hilt, his body somehow trembled slightly—and then, once more, with force, with steadiness, with all his weight, he gripped the Immortal-Slaying Ancient Sword in his hand.

"A sword bestowed by Heaven, to smite all foul demons!"

Perfected Dao Yan's face was as ever, his expression calm; he simply held the Immortal-Slaying Sword and raised it level, pointing it at the Beast Lord ahead, and spoke thus lightly—and in the eyes of countless people, he was already as an immortal being, not to be profaned.

Beneath the Immortal-Slaying Sword, countless people cheered as one; and before the immortal blade, the Beast Lord gazed long at that ancient sword, then studied Perfected Dao Yan carefully—and suddenly a change came over his cold face. Incredibly, he shook his head and burst out laughing, a great ringing laugh that echoed through heaven and earth, mingled now and then with a few low coughs.

"A fine sword, a fine sword!" The Beast Lord actually clapped his hands in admiration—yet there was a note of mockery in his tone as he said, "A sword of such peerless ferocity that even I hold it somewhat in awe—and to think it should appear in your hands. Truly… hahahahaha…"

He did not continue, but as though he had seen the most ridiculous thing in all his life, he laughed uncontrollably, leaving everyone utterly baffled.

Watching that arrogant figure, Perfected Dao Yan's expression did not change, nor did he speak to argue; he only drew a deep breath, closed his eyes briefly, then opened them, shooting forth a piercing light—and in an instant, a dazzling radiance bloomed from the Immortal-Slaying Ancient Sword.

The Water Qilin raised its head and gave a long cry to the heavens!

The Beast Lord's laughter broke off short; his face turned grave as he faced what lay before him.

And every person at his feet held their breath, for all knew that the contest between these two was now the final battle. The last outcome of this great calamity was at hand!