Otherworldly Affairs Office

Chapter 1157: Dragon Swimming in Shallow Waters

Entering the black fog, Nero’s vision was somewhat limited. After a brief adaptation, he found that although everything around appeared blurry, he could still perceive his surroundings, and his own source energy sensing remained unaffected.Looking up at Zhuo Geng in the center of the field, from his wary appearance as he glanced around, it was obvious that his situation was much worse. It seemed that under Ye’s control, the black fog could automatically distinguish between friend and foe, limiting Zhuo Geng’s external sensory ability, making the battle much easier.

Nero nodded towards a few others who shared the same thought and then the four of them spread out, creeping toward Zhuo Geng from different angles. Sensing impending danger, Zhuo Geng, who had been standing still and on alert, suddenly swung his greatsword all around, trying to prevent any possible ambush.

This time, it was not Nero but Ivan who launched the first attack. Once more playing his old trick, he activated the evil hounds formed by source energy, using them as cannon fodder. Unsurprisingly, as soon as these hounds entered the swinging range of Zhuo Geng’s greatsword, they were immediately shredded to pieces by the up-and-down strokes. The sensation transmitted from the tip of the sword alerted Zhuo Geng to the enemy’s attack, prompting him to lower his posture and shield his vital parts with a round shield, as the frequency of his greatsword swinging increased even more.

The four did not immediately launch a surprise attack but waited quietly for the best opportunity. Gripping an ethereal staff that came into form in his hands, possessing the characteristic of a divine artifact that could inflict real damage, one end of the staff sprouted a sharp spearhead. Ivan, holding the long spear, aimed it at Zhuo Geng in the center of the field, while the evil hounds continued their relentless attacks—a sword, two swords, three swords! Finally, Ivan found a gap in Zhuo Geng’s attacks. Taking advantage of the interval between one sword and the next, he forcefully cast the spear, and like an arrow released from a bow, it sped through the black fog without making any sound. Quietly, it slipped through the gap in the greatsword’s swing, stabbing firmly into Zhuo Geng’s back.

The divine artifact, which bypassed all defenses and physical qualities, under Ivan’s full-force throw, sank the entire spearhead into Zhuo Geng’s back shoulder. Struck by a sudden attack, Zhuo Geng’s assault was momentarily paused. It was at this moment that the other three charged forward like tigers descending a mountain.

"Despicable scoundrels! Die!"

"Argh!" Shitang Longsi, who had just rushed in front of Zhuo Geng, screamed miserably; he was caught by Zhuo Geng on the spot. Only then did he realize Zhuo Geng had intentionally created an opening and allowed himself to be wounded, the purpose being to lure the others hiding in the dark into hand-to-hand combat with him. Although all his sensory abilities were largely suppressed, he chose a simple strategy of concentrating all his attention in one direction. As long as someone attacked from that direction, he would surely catch them.

Zhuo Geng was gambling, and Shitang Longsi, who had always been unlucky, hit the jackpot again. Feeling the source energy emanating from the person caught in his hand, Zhuo Geng chuckled, "So it’s you brat. Let’s see how you’ll use the Substitution Technique this time." Saying so, Zhuo Geng tightened his grip on Shitang Longsi’s head with one claw, and with the other hand, he vigorously thrust his greatsword towards Shitang Longsi’s chest.

Thud!

"Argh!" A severe pain came from his waist, causing Zhuo Geng’s sword-wielding hand to pause for a moment. This blow was a full-force strike from Nero after activating his Bloodline Power. Even the sturdy body and scales of the Dragon King were dented, with bones faintly cracking. Knowing that the opponent could launch a second attack, Zhuo Geng did not want to give up the chance to slaughter one of them, so he ignored Nero’s existence and continued pressing the greatsword down.

Plop! At the same time, another gush of blood spewed from Zhuo Geng’s arm, the result of Ivan’s second divine artifact spear thrown from afar piercing through. Yet, this still did not deter Zhuo Geng’s resolve to kill Shitang Longsi.

Having executed the Substitution Technique three times, Zhuo Geng had sensed a trace of its mystery. With this grab, he isolated all the surrounding source energy and natural elements, making it impossible for Shitang Longsi to use the Substitution Technique again.

Compared with the Three Tyrants who participated in the Sword Discussion Conference, and even Bai Ze and Ye thereafter, Shitang Longsi, the Child of Origin, seemed like a mere filler. Not being a direct disciple of the Candle Dragon, he had neither the love of an elder nor an uncle’s favor. Unlike the others equipped with divine artifacts, he shared his body with an alien soul.

For this, he harbored deep resentment towards Pei Yan, who repeatedly defeated and humiliated him. He hated even more the injustice he faced within the organization. However, without the strength to resist, he could only endure and think of all means to become stronger. This mission was his chance to grow stronger. Once successful, not only did the Candle Dragon promise to grant him a suitable divine artifact, but he could also partake in the opportunity to assimilate the Dragon King’s bloodline.

With victory so close at hand, how could Shitang Longsi resign himself to dying here only to hand over his triumph as a bridal dress for others? Therefore, he infused all his source energy and the devouring Power of Origin bestowed by the Candle Dragon into his longsword, madly slashing and stabbing at Zhuo Geng’s sword-wielding arm.

The dragon scales slashed away, and the bloodied wounds on Zhuo Geng’s arm testified to Shitang Longsi’s desperate strike, but the one who truly saved him from the Death God’s grasp was another person.

Thud! The longsword in Zhuo Geng’s hand hammered the ground. Having staved off all attacks, just as he was about to pierce through Shitang Longsi’s belly, Ye arrived, cloaking the greatsword in a dense black fog. This not only caused the sword tip to feel wrapped in glue, halting its advance, but also increased the sword’s weight by a thousandfold, making all Zhuo Geng’s previous efforts futile in an instant.

Bang! Bang! Bang! Nero and Ivan’s attacks continued with full force. In this brief period, Zhuo Geng was already pierced by four spears and suffered seven or eight hidden wounds. Wincing in pain, Shitang Longsi, whom Zhuo Geng had grasped with one hand, also managed to break free with all his might.

Once out of trouble, narrowly escaping death, Shitang Longsi grew even more hysterical, quickly changing position and launching a series of continuous attacks at Zhuo Geng. On the other hand, Ye continuously manipulated the bizarre black fog, enveloping Zhuo Geng, making it incredibly difficult for him to wield the shield on his arm or the greatsword in his hand.

From the moment his sight was obscured and all external senses were obstructed to now under the assault of four opponents, the wounds on Zhuo Geng’s body multiplied rapidly. The Dragon King was in a wretched, blood-soaked state, seemingly indicating that the scales of victory in this battle were beginning to tip in Bloodfiend’s favor.

"Dragon God Realm!" At this critical moment, Dragon King Zhuo Geng forcefully plunged his greatsword into the ground, letting out a long roar into the sky as an overwhelming dragon pressure emanated from his body.