The Earth-Split Demon Turtle's massive earth spikes suddenly broke off its shell and shot toward Zhang Xinlan, a terrifying barrage that blotted out the sky.
Ye Tian could clearly feel the terrifying Energy contained within the earth spikes. The surrounding space began to tremble violently, as if it would collapse at any moment.
The barrage of earth spikes was even denser than the Rainstorm Blossom Needle Ye Tian had once faced. A single one could easily slay an expert of the Four Vein Realm, which meant Ye Tian was in extreme danger.
The Water Dragon Dance that Zhang Xinlan unleashed was just as shocking. The enormous Water Dragon met the earth spikes head-on, and for a moment, the air filled with a series of thunderous CRACKS and POPS.
The earth spikes pierced straight through the Water Dragon's body, but their momentum slowed considerably. They fell to the ground before they could reach Zhang Xinlan, while the Water Dragon's body gradually shrank.
The collision between the earth spikes and the Water Dragon created a terrifying storm of Energy. Violent gales formed in the air and began to spread in all directions. Dirt, stones, and weeds from the ground were all swept up into the sky. For a moment, an area hundreds of meters wide was choked with soil and grass, and the light instantly dimmed.
This exchange between Zhang Xinlan and the Earth-Split Demon Turtle showed Ye Tian the true, astonishing destructive power of a battle between the strong. Numerous bottomless fissures cracked open across the ground, not from the Demon Beast's skill, but from the raw destruction wrought by the powerful Energy.
If the other disciples hadn't left, many of them would have likely fallen into these fissures. While their lives wouldn't have been in danger, injuries would have been a certainty.
Although the Water Dragon was formidable, it couldn't block the entire barrage of earth spikes. A good number still flew past it. The Water Dragon's body had shrunk to only about five meters, a testament to the immense amount of Energy it had consumed.
The Water Dragon continued toward the Earth-Split Demon Turtle, while the earth spikes flew at Zhang Xinlan and Ye Tian. The situation was dire, especially for Ye Tian—or so Zhang Xinlan worried.
It was too late to protect Ye Tian now. Besides, he had said he had a way to protect himself. So, Zhang Xinlan decided to see just how he would defend against the Earth-Split Demon Turtle's earth spikes. 'As the Young Master of Shen Li Palace, he must have a few surprises.'
Zhang Xinlan quickly deployed an Energy Shield in front of her. The incoming earth spikes were blocked upon impact, but she was forced back several dozen steps before she could fully halt their momentum. Her face grew a little pale; clearly, the effort had taken its toll.
Her attention was now completely fixed on Ye Tian, and she was incredibly worried. 'Even though he sounded so certain... with the Earth-Split Demon Turtle's immense Attack Power, I really can't believe he can handle it.'
Ye Tian felt a knot of tension in his chest, his grip tightening on the Black Glaze Sword. As the Earth-Split Demon Turtle's first earth spike shot toward him, he slashed out, cleaving it in two.
He successfully split the first earth spike, but the powerful recoil threw him back several steps, each one leaving a deep imprint on the ground.
The second earth spike arrived immediately after. Ye Tian slashed again, splitting it as well, and was forced back another few steps.
But the third earth spike was already upon him. Ye Tian had no time to swing his sword again; he could only brace himself to take the hit with his body. This was incredibly dangerous. The main reason was the sheer speed of the spikes; they came one after another in quick succession. No matter how skilled he was, he couldn't possibly parry them all.
The sight terrified Zhang Xinlan. 'Don't tell me this was the method he was talking about? He's gambling with his life! The attack of a Tier Five Demon Beast is not to be trifled with!'
But even if she wanted to save him, she was powerless to act. Her heart felt like it was about to shatter. She couldn't bear to watch Ye Tian die right in front of her. It was a reality she refused to accept.
"No!" Zhang Xinlan couldn't help but scream. Her heart felt as if it had been pierced by a sharp blade, and she suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood. Her Heart Vein had been directly injured, and she tumbled from the air, crashing to the ground.
Seeing Zhang Xinlan fall from the sky, Ye Tian cried out in alarm, "Xinlan, what's wrong!" The moment the words left his mouth, the immensely powerful earth spike struck him.
As Zhang Xinlan fell, her eyes remained fixed on Ye Tian, tears streaming down her face. Her heart was filled with boundless regret. 'Why didn't I make him leave? Why did I believe he had a way to block the Earth-Split Demon Turtle's devastating earth spike attack?'
But it was all too late. 'I was born for him,' she thought. There was a huge secret in her heart that she had never told Ye Tian, but now, there would be no chance. She couldn't accept it.
The very instant the earth spike touched Ye Tian, an intense golden light erupted from his body, and a thunderous Dragon's Roar burst from his throat.
This scene left Zhang Xinlan baffled. Immediately after, Ye Tian's clothes shattered, and his body was suddenly covered in countless Dragon Scales. The incoming earth spike struck those very scales.
This was a phenomenon of the Divine Dragon Battle Body's Fourth Layer. When Ye Tian's body was unable to withstand a powerful attack, this skill would activate passively. The current Ye Tian resembled a Dragon-man, the only difference being the lack of Dragon Horns on his head.
The earth spike struck the Dragon Scales and was instantly deflected. Ye Tian was only knocked back a single step, completely unharmed.
Several more earth spikes followed, all with the same result. Ye Tian stood there completely unscathed, but his gaze was fixed on Zhang Xinlan in the distance. Deep worry filled him, for he had seen her spit blood.
At that moment, the Earth-Split Demon Turtle's earth spike assault ended, and the Water Dragon's attack likewise dissipated. Ye Tian had successfully withstood the immensely powerful attack.
A whirlwind of emotions churned within Zhang Xinlan. A brilliant smile suddenly blossomed on her face as she smiled through her tears. In that instant, she realized she cherished Ye Tian more than ever before.
She silently vowed to herself. 'No matter what, I will never let Ye Tian face a situation like this again. I don't want to endure this kind of heart-wrenching pain a second time. I can't bear it.'
The Dragon Scales on Ye Tian's body had yet to disappear. He stood there like a monster, his body exuding a Primordial Qi that created a deeply oppressive atmosphere.
Zhang Xinlan's attack had also injured the Earth-Split Demon Turtle. Although its Defense Power was fearsome, a Martial Skill from the Holy Land was not to be trifled with. Bright red blood gushed from several places on its enormous body, and there were even a few massive wounds deep enough to reveal bone…