It should be noted that the desert giant lizard was a ninth-level divine ability realm beast, equivalent to a ninth-level mortal realm divine ability warrior, or perhaps even stronger.
Although these poisonous scorpions were small, merely eighth-level unparalleled realm beasts, the problem was their sheer numbers.
An ordinary ten percent power half-step Heavenly Venerate encountering them would likely meet their end. Without fleeing, there was only a dead end.
Ling Xiao now only hoped that Dai Yuling and Leng Hao would not encounter similar dangers, or it would be quite troublesome.
As for the other Yuehua Sect disciples, Wu Xiang had already said that if they could not win, they should flee. Their strength was generally weaker, so gaining a little something would be enough; there was no need to risk their lives.
The casualties among them would likely be minimal.
Those most likely to die were probably the ones with middling strength.
While Ling Xiao was pondering these matters, danger approached once again. He had to abandon his wandering thoughts and re-enter the fray.
This time, the beast he encountered was even more formidable, having reached the level of a ten percent power half-step Heavenly Venerate beast king.
What was particularly terrifying was that this creature was highly adept at using the desert terrain, making it nearly impossible to guard against.
In the end, Ling Xiao used his flying sword to track and slay it.
Along the way, Ling Xiao had encountered at least a dozen different types of beasts, each one ferocious. A moment’s carelessness could lead to a disastrous outcome.
The most troublesome aspect was that these beasts seemed highly skilled at using the terrain, which left him quite astonished.
However, these battles had significantly increased his combat experience in special terrains, which was no small gain.
Finally, after about half an hour, Ling Xiao emerged from the desert and saw the ruins of the old city of the True Demon Empire.
Though reduced to broken walls and rubble, the general outline of the old city was still discernible.
He quickened his pace to reach the vicinity of the old city and noticed that one of its walls was densely studded with numerous weapons.
Most of these weapons had decayed and deteriorated, yet among them, one sword stood out prominently.
It was a treasure sword exuding an icy aura, likely of immortal-grade or even divine-grade quality.
Regardless of its level, for a sword-loving warrior like Ling Xiao, it was the perfect weapon.
With this in mind, Ling Xiao did not act impulsively. He activated his Mountain River Martial Soul to carefully analyse the situation of the wall, and he was glad he had not rushed in.
It turned out that the sword’s ability to remain untainted by decay was due to its unique skill, which could create an “Ice and Snow Barrier,” making the entire wall extremely cold. Other weapons could not withstand this chill and had mostly shattered.
Only this sword remained, sealed in ice until now.
It embodied the phenomenon of snow, which was the next phenomenon Ling Xiao intended to comprehend.
He had previously thought the Ice Dragon Sword’s attributes matched the snow phenomenon, but now it seemed this “Snow Feather Sword” was even more suitable.
The Snow Feather Sword was an immortal-grade treasure sword, which Ling Xiao could currently use, though he could not fully unleash its amplification effects. However, he was not far from the Heavenly Human Realm. Once he reached it, he could fully wield its power, making it undoubtedly the most suitable weapon below the Three Talents Heavenly Realm.
However, to obtain this sword, he first needed to break the Ice and Snow Barrier, or he would be frozen into an ice sculpture upon approaching, losing both the sword and his life.
Breaking the barrier was not particularly difficult for Ling Xiao, but it cost him tens of thousands of low-grade spirit stones and some special materials.
Just as he was about to take the sword, a figure suddenly rushed ahead of him.
“Hahaha, this belongs to us now!”
The voice laughed wildly as it pulled the Snow Feather Sword from the wall. At that moment, snowflakes began to fall from the sky, and a terrifying chill instantly froze the surrounding grass, trees, and walls.
However, this warrior was clearly prepared. Though he shivered briefly, he managed to store the Snow Feather Sword in his storage ring.
Ling Xiao had a chance to snatch it back, but this person was not alone. He had three other companions, all at twenty percent power half-step Heavenly Venerate, roughly on par with Ling Xiao in terms of cultivation.
“Heh, kid, we were going to kill you, but since you did us such a great favour, we will spare your life. An immortal-grade treasure sword, who would have thought?”
The person who took the sword was visibly excited, paying no heed to Ling Xiao.
Although it was clear he could not yet control the Snow Feather Sword, he could take it back to his sect, where his elders would assist him.
“It is a good item, but you are not worthy of possessing it!”
Ling Xiao could still sense the terrifying icy aura within the Snow Feather Sword.
This chilling aura, when guided with a bit of true essence, would erupt, aiding its master in attacking enemies.
The reason a treasure was a treasure was because it contained certain powers and special abilities.
Any warrior could use these to unleash great power or unique combat effects.
When activated, the Snow Feather Sword could perfectly complement the snow phenomenon, doubling its power.
For Ling Xiao, this was a must-have item. How could he let others take it so easily?
“Kid, what did you just say?”
The leader of the four asked coldly.
“I said you are not worthy of that sword. Return it to me, and I will spare your lives. Otherwise, I will kill without mercy!”
Ling Xiao was willing to give them one chance, depending on whether they would seize it.
“Hahaha, this kid must be out of his mind. He actually said he would spare us?”
“Delusional fool. We were going to let you live, but now, cut off your own legs, and we might still spare you!”
“Exactly, you dare threaten us? Do you even know how to spell death?”
“Hurry up, or we will take action!”
The four looked at Ling Xiao with mocking and disdainful expressions, as if he were already a dead man in their eyes.
Ling Xiao’s gaze remained calm.
Why did some people always seek their own death?
He did not want to kill, but some people were just tired of living.
He slowly drew his Rain-Covering Sword and looked at the four indifferently, saying, “One last chance. Leave the sword and get lost immediately, or stay here forever!”
Ling Xiao’s killing intent was more terrifying than Li Youdao’s and more sinister than Tang Jiu’s.
This was because he possessed the martial soul of the sword demon Ye Gushan, the ancestor of assassins!
With his killing intent surging, Ling Xiao no longer intended to give them a chance, as they clearly did not value the opportunity he offered.
“Kill him!”
The four did not leave the sword or choose to depart; instead, they harboured murderous intent.
The one closest to Ling Xiao struck first, not using a weapon, perhaps thinking Ling Xiao was not worthy of one.
He launched a kick, which instantly transformed into a milky-white leg wind, surging toward Ling Xiao like a tornado.
